After two years, the California State Fair is back! Sacramento has been the permanent home of the State Fair since the 1859.
In May 1854, the California State Agricultural Society was founded. The State Legislature created the society as there was a growing incentive to promote agriculture as the longstanding future for California, rather than mining. The society was authorized to hold an exhibition of livestock, manufactures, and productions. Later that year, on October 4, the society held the first California State Fair in San Francisco. A different city hosted the State Fair each year, until Sacramento became the permanent location in 1859. In 1859, a pavilion was constructed on M and 6th Streets to house the Agricultural Society’s offices and annual State Fair exhibitions. A larger pavilion replaced this hall in 1884.
From 1909 to 1967, the California State Fair took place at the State Fairgrounds at Broadway and Stockton Boulevard.
On July 1, 1968, California Exposition (Cal Expo) fairgrounds opened as the new home for the California State Fair. Governor Ronald Reagan attended to unlock the park gates and welcome visitors. Over 9,000 people were in attendance for the grand opening.
In this video, Aly discusses the previous State Fair locations in Sacramento and shows some of the old State Fair programs on display in our Agricultural Gallery.
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