There are almost 30 competitions, with more than 4500 contestants and entries that take place before and during the California State Fair. Californians of all ages are invited to show off their hobbies, talents and skills for a chance to win cash, prizes and bragging rights! Here is a listing of some of the contests you can observe during the fair!
Livestock Competitions
Junior & Open
Watch as beef cattle, sheep, swine, dairy cattle, llamas, Boer, Pygmy and Nigerian Dwarf goats fight for the crown! The Livestock Pavilion is the place to see the West’s premier livestock competitions in youth and open categories, including those by the FFA and 4-H. (Livestock Pavilion)
Firehouse Challenge
Rounds 1, 2, 3, July 16, 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. Final round, July 31, 11 a.m.
California Firefighters pair up into two person teams and compete in a 3-alarm cooking challenge for the California State Fair Golden Bear, our highest award!
(Expo Center #2)
Sale of Champions – July 16, 6PM
Witness the auction of the State’s best livestock from 2011 California State Fair youth livestock competitions. Champion Market Steers, Market Lambs, Market Hogs and Market Goats can be purchased. (Millier Lite Grandstand)
American Quarter Horse Versatility Ranch Horse Competition
July 16, 7 a.m.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the person and horse team who shoe with the most skill and versatility with the working ranch horse events. Free admission (Located in the Rodeo Arena)
County Fair Best of Show Youth Horse Show
July 17-19, beginning at 8 a.m.
All participants, including 4-H, Grange, FFA, independent exhibitors and walk/jog exhibitors must have qualified at a State Fair eligible horse show in their county by winning a first place. Free admission. (Located in the Rodeo Arena)
4th Annual California
Karaoke Championship
Rounds throughout the day beginning a 10 a.m. Finals at 8 p.m. July 17, This championship brings together winning karaoke contestants from all over the State. Come support these talented singers! (Promenade Stage)
Equine Champion Challenge Exam
July 19
Cash prizes will be awarded to the winner of this written exam designed to find the most highly skilled horse management spokesperson for the equine industry.
California’s Kitchen Chef Challenge
Round 1 – July 16, 2 p.m.
Round 2 – July 20, 2 p.m.
Round 3 – July 24, 2 p.m.
Finals – July 31, 2 p.m.
Nine California chefs compete in a cooking challenge for the California Golden Bear and cash prizes. The chefs come to California’s Kitchen knowing what’s on the basic pantry list and their knives. But what secret ingredient will they be assigned to incorporate into their dishes? The chefs have just 40 minutes to incorporate that secret ingredient into their contest entry!
California’s Kidz Kitchen Competition
King Arthur Flour Cookie Contest, July 19, 12:30 p.m.
Poppy’s Baby Cake Contest, July 19, 2 p.m.
Guittard’s J. Chocolate Passion Contest, July 23, 1 – 4:00 p.m.
Fleishmann’s Yeast, Bake for the Cure Baking Contest
July 28, 1:30 p.m.
Corn Dog Eating Contest
July 21, 4 p.m., July 22, 5 p.m.
Finals July 23, 4:00 p.m.
Are you ready to become a part of California’s Corn Dog history? It all depends on how many of corndogs you can eat in eight minutes. The record is 15 corn dogs in 7 minutes. (Promenade Stage). Fill out an application here!
American Kennel Club
Canine Agility Trials
July 23, 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Sacramento Dog Training Club and Two Rivers Agility Club of Sacramento will host canine agility trails. The competition will include Novice –Excellent levels. (Livestock Pavilion)
6th Annual Kids Talent Showcase
July 26, 3:30 p.m.
Watch 12 finalists compete. The top three finalists will share a prize pool that includes cash, prizes and the official title of “State Fair’s Most Talented Kid.”
(PG&E Center Stage)
Agriculture Achievement Awards
Agriculturalist of the Year recognizes outstanding leadership in agricultural finance, government, production agriculture, education, labor, research, communications, trade and/or public service. The 2011 winner Robert “Bob” Gilbert, Chairman of the Board of Directors of A.L. Gilbert Company, a company established 118 years ago by his father. Mr. Gilbert’s agricultural innovations have been adapted across the country for more than 60 years and helped producers optimize their individual production and efficiency goals.
Golden Bear Award
Golden Bear Award is presented annually to individuals or organizations for their admirable service and extensive support of the California Exposition & State Fair. The 2011 Golden Bear honoree serving as the Executive Director of the Friends of the California State Fair, Harry Moos. Congratulations Harry! We are grateful for your years of service!
Rodeo Hall of Fame
The State Fair’s Rodeo Hall of Fame Award is presented annually to individuals or organizations that have supported the rodeo industry above and beyond his or her own self-interests.
Vineyard of the Year Award
Vineyard of the Year Award recognizes a California vineyard that has consistently produced grapes leading to wine of superior quality and marketability within commercial sales systems and among fine wine judging. Congratulations to Kalon Vineyards, Oakville, Napa Valley.
Wine Lifetime Achievement Award
Wine Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals that have provided a significant contribution to the commercial wine industry in California Congratulations to: President Jeffrey D. Armstrong, California Polytechnic State University, President John Welty, California State University, Fresno, Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi, University of California, Davis.