2007 Entertainment Highlights

Blues on the Blues and Brews Stage
The highly anticipated Blues Show is back every night of the 2007 California State Fair. Veteran Sacramento Based band Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers will perform nightly from 5-8 p.m. Terry Hanks, one of the most sought out blues players in the country, will follow from 8 p.m. until the fair closes. The blues evening presentation will be shakin’ and rockin’ on the Blues and Brews stage.

Cal Expo Derby
Back by popular demand, the Cal Expo Derby is making some hot betting action available for FREE! Patrons at least 18 years old receive an entry blank when they enter the Grandstand and a random drawing will select contestants to “bet” on a horse for free, but with real cash prizes of hundreds of dollars!

Dachshund Derby
Join us August 25, 2007 for the 8th Annual Dachshund Derby. Sixty-four of the fastest weiner athletes will streak (sort of) to the finish line for a chance at a purse of $500 and bragging rights as the 2007 Dachshund Derby Champion. There will be eight heats of eight dogs during the harness racing program on Saturday evening. The eight fastest dogs will vie for the Championship. We are proud to announce that in 2007 we are joined by The Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research as our signature charity. The foundation supports all areas of canine and feline cancer research. Donate $1to the Foundation and receive an "I Picked a Weiner at the California State Fair” gift. Donate $2 or more and receive a wristband from Blue Buffalo Dog Food that states "Protect Our Pets." Donations will be taken the day of the races. All money received goes to the Foundation.

Live Harness Racing at the Budweiser Grandstand
For 74 action-packed days, from August 2 through December 16, live harness racing thunders through the Cal Expo racetrack (with 14 days of racing during fair-time). The Standard breeds will be in action Wednesday through Saturday evenings in the Budweiser Grandstand and admission is free for all fairgoers. Post Time for the first race of the evening is 5:35 p.m.. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 6:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Fans of all ages are welcome to view the racing action but you must be at least 18 years old to wager. Cal Expo Harness Racing offers food and drink specials every race night in the Budweiser Grandstand and on Saturday evenings.

Cavalcade of Horses Arena
Anyone who ever wanted a pony as a child will love the Cavalcade of Horses. Located near the water tower, the Cavalcade of Horses will once again present many and varied performers to the horse loving public. The highlighted equine entertainer this year will be Sally Bishop of Sure Shot Productions.

Cavalcade Arena Shows - Daily
2:00 p.m.	Tally Ho: English events including eventing, jumping, dressage, Pony Clubs, polo, and others
3:00 p.m.	Thrills and Chills: Sally Bishop of Sure Shot products with trick riding, Charlie Too Tall West, Nu Balance Vaulters, Dianne Olds Rossi and the Magical Dancing Horses
4:00 p.m.	Carousel of Horses: Breed demonstrations
5:00 p.m.	Canine Capers (one each day): Hennigan Spinning Frisbee K9s CHP Dogs Mock Trial Duck Dogs Mondioring Jack Russell Racing teams Sheep dogs
6:00 p.m.	Ridin’ & Slidin’ (One each day): Reining Cattle Penning Pole Bending/Barrel Racing Mule Demo Cutting Vaulting Trick Roping Charros Vaqueros
7:00 p.m.	Big and Beautiful: August 17 through 26: Budweiser Clydesdales August 28 through September 3: Darnell Shires
8:00 p.m.	The Mane Event: California Cowgirls Drill Team/Other drill teams Charlie Too Tall Rodeo Clown
Cavalcade Arena Shows - Special
September 1	First Annual Police K9 Trials: 9:00 a.m.
September 2	Llama Show: 9:00 a.m.

Dianne Olds Rossi and Her Magical Dancing Horses
Dianne has been a favorite of Sacramento for many years and always draws a big crowd. She will be welcomed back with an appreciation of her beautifully choreographed show of dancing Friesians.

Sally Bishop in the Cavalcade of Horses
You may recognize Sally Bishop from her Las Vegas “Cavalia” show. A third generation equine professional entertainer, Sally grew up performing in her family’s Wild West Show. She performs trick riding and 4-Up Roman Riding, a feat rarely seen in North America. Horsemen and non-horsemen alike are unfailingly amazed to see Sally tearing around the arena, controlling four horses while sailing over jumps.

Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls
Riata Ranch Cowgirls belong to a one of a kind group that has taken traditional western art form and turned it into a theatrical performance by combining trick riding and trick roping with choreography, dance, lighting, wardrobe and music. The expression in their performance is so unique that they have been crowned International Goodwill Ambassadors on Horseback. To date they have appeared in 17 countries representing the United States through the image of the American Cowboy.
The world-renowned Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls will perform from August 31 through September 3. The Cavalcade will be pleased to celebrate the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls 50th anniversary as an outstanding and award-winning equestrian performance group. These very talented young horsewomen will thrill the audience with their daring trick riding and trick roping.

Horse Show & Rodeo Arena
North of the Livestock Pavilion by the Kids Park and East Gate Entrance, the Horse Show & Rodeo Arena is the place to stay for some of the best action throughout the Fair. The Rodeo Arena hosts Bull Fest, the Monster Truck spectacular, Demolition Derby and much more!

American Quarter Horse Association Versatility Ranch Horse Class
One of the most exciting competitions offered at the California State Fair is the American Quarter Horse Association Versatility Ranch Horse Class, demonstrating the versatility of the working ranch horse in five categories - ranch riding, ranch trail, ranch cutting, working ranch horse and ranch conformation. This event takes place one day only, Tuesday, August 28, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Champion of this class goes home with a brand new custom made working horse saddle, plus part of the $1,000 purse. Each division winner goes home with a beautiful sterling silver California State Fair belt buckle.

Bull Fest
Exciting Rodeo events kick off the first 2 weekends of the Fair. August 18 & 19 and August 24-26.

County Fair Best of Show Youth Horse Show
The California State Fair presents the County Fair Best of Show Youth Horse Show in the State Fair Arena August 21-22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The participants are 4-H, FFA, Grange and independent exhibitors, as well as walk/jog exhibitors, who have qualified at their County Fair level by winning first place in a class in a horse show that has qualified to be a California State Fair eligible show. There will be gymkhana events, trail, showmanship, western events and English events, both on the flat as well as over fences.

Dancin’ With Bulls
On August 19 there will be an all new Bull Fest competition called Dancin’ With Bulls. There will be four demonstrations of Rodeo Clowns “dancing” with the bulls to distract the bulls from a bull rider who has completed his ride. This will be an audience participation event as the audience bets on either the bull or the clown. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Demolition Derby
Once again, the California State Fair is proud to present the Demolition Derby on Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3 at 7 p.m. at the Horse Show and Rodeo Arena.

California State Fair patrons will experience the thrill of watching fearless drivers maneuver their cars around the arena. Each driver strategically smashes their opponent’s vehicles while still trying to keep their own cars from being damaged in the hopes of being the last car running at the end of the night.

Equine Champion Challenge
We are excited to present our fourth annual Equine Champion Challenge at the 2007 California State Fair, August 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This unique program is a learning laboratory encompassing a written as well as a practical examination testing the student’s knowledge and skills involved in the care and management of the horse.

The California State Fair will reward the Champion with a $2,000 savings bond sponsored by the Ironstone Concours Foundation to further their educational opportunities through college scholarship opportunities. The reserve champion will receive a $1,000 savings bond; each division winner will receive a $250 savings bond.

Monster Truck Spectacular
California State Fair patrons will have the thrill of watching the Monster Truck Spectacular for one night only, Saturday, September 1 at 7 p.m. at the Horse Show and Rodeo Arena.

Rodeo Hall of Fame at Cattleman's Day
The spirit of the Wild West is recognized each year at the California State Fair’s Cattleman’s Day, with a special showcase of the Rodeo Hall of Fame. Cattleman’s Day 2007 will take place Wednesday, August 29.

Team World Championship Cowboy Mounted Shooters
New to the 2007 California State Fair is the Cowboy Mounted Shooters competition hosted in the Rodeo Arena August 24 & 25. The event will feature top Cowboy Shooting competitors in the State. The competition is a timed event as the competitor’s race against time through the course of balloons shooting black powder guns in a dynamic display of horsemanship and marksmanship.

Sheep Dog Trials
The annual California State Fair Sheep Dog Trials will be held in the Rodeo Arena on August 17, opening day of the 2007 State Fair. The competition will include three divisions: Open, Non Pro and Novice Non Pro. Placings and ribbons will be presented in all divisions and the world famous Border Collie dogs and their handlers are the much anticipated contestants.

Hussongs Cantina
Enjoy live music from south of the border along with hand-shaken margaritas and a world famous Caesar Salad. A lively respite from the heat, Hussongs is the State Fair’s favorite cantina!

NEW! Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show
Don’t miss this breathtaking show everyday in the Kaiser Permanente Kids Park! This talented group of aerial stunt artists will thrill crowds with 80-foot sway poles, Space Wheels, a motorcycle high-wire act, the Globe of Death motorcycle event and much more!

Step Up Dancers
The Step Up Dance Crew is the official dance team of the State Fair. They are an elite competitive hip-hop and modern dance team made up of young volunteers. Check out Step Up’s daily performances in the Kaiser Permanente Kids Park throughout the Fair, with a special performance at the State Fair Star Talent Show on Saturday, September. 1 on the Golden1 Stage.

The Hypnotist – Terry Stokes
Back by popular demand, the well-known Hypnotist Terry Stokes, will once again grace the stages of the California State Fair. Performing every day on the PG&E Center Stage, Stokes brings a unique flare and comedic presence to his performances as he invites fairgoers on stage for an unforgettable experience.

Kids Talent Show
Young performers from all over California have been auditioning for the Kids Talent Show since May. On Kids Day, August 28, the finalists will compete in the 2nd Annual Kids Talent Show at 6 p.m. on the PG&E center stage. The top three finalists will share a prize pot that includes cash, prizes and the official title of "State Fair's Most Talented Kid." The show is one of numerous opportunities the State Fair is offering people to show off their inner superstar.

Showcasing Culture
Every culture has something exciting to share and the California State Fair wants to celebrate that. For all 16 days of the Fair, fairgoers can look forward to a wide range of cultural entertainment on the Center Stage, including: Multicultural Gospel Celebration, Hui O’Hawaii, Kennelly School of Irish Dance, Mariachi Nueva Generacion, Jodama, Sacramento Chinese Folk Dance, First Somoan Congregational Church, Umoja Productions, Sacramento Taiko Dan, Balliamo, Tonga Pacifica California Seniors and much more!

Poppy’s Birthday Party
All kids are invited to Poppy’s Birthday Party on Tuesday, August 21. See Page 8 for Details.

The Golden Bear Fight Night – Amateur Boxing
Back by popular demand, the California State Fair will once again present an Amateur Boxing Show beginning at 7 p.m. on August 19 on the Golden1 Stage. The male and female amateur boxers will range from 10 - 20 years old and will be matched up according to size and weight. The US Boxing Association will govern the 8 bouts.

State Fair Star
The 2007 California State Fair is searching for undiscovered talent with its “State Fair Star” talent show & competition. Representation from the State Fair, together with winners from talent competitions held at other California Fairs and Festivals, will be invited to the final showdown. The competition finals will bring competition winners from all over California to the State Fair on Saturday, September 1 to decide who has what it takes to be the 2007 “State Fair Star.” Finalists will be competing for the chance to win the Grand Prize, which will include a “Superstar Prize Package” with cash, prizes, a makeover, vocal lessons and a roundtrip airfare to a national competition of their choice, provided by Southwest Airlines.