State Fair Opens Today

By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer The State Fair returns July 12, and runs through Sunday, July 28, promising an unforgettable experience filled with competitions, live concert series, lively walking acts, food from across the state, carnival rides and much more.  Entertainment and performers include the Toyota Concert Series, a variety of stage performances, trivia, horse racing, competitions and challenges, motocross and other special events. Various exhibits include fine art and photography, a student showcase, cannabis, our nation’s first high-speed rail, an animation academy, a California author’s booth, climbing, petting zoos and more. Each Tuesday during the fair, guests pay only $2 per carnival ride and have more than 50 to choose from, ranging from roller coasters to mazes and even some water rides. RELATED: State Fair Stage Is Black Powered  This year the fair presents “Read to Ride.” For every two books read, program participants receive two rides free and a monorail ticket – a $15 value. Read to Ride is open to students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. Students must read two books, write a summary, and then bring the completed form to the fair’s guest services office located inside the main gate to receive two...