The California State Fair by the numbers: Attendance goes up, arrests go down

The California State Fair closed its gates on July 31, ending a 17-day run with increased attendance following a two-year pandemic hiatus.

The State Fair returned in full force this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, welcoming 652,873 people to Cal Expo between July 15 and 31. The count reflects an uptick of 8.9% from 2019, the last time public health conditions allowed the State Fair to be held at full capacity.

“After two years of not having a fair because of the pandemic, our staff worked tirelessly to deliver a quality event for everyone,” said Cal Expo General Manager and CEO Rick Pickering in a Wednesday news release. “We are thrilled that so many families came out to the fair for such a successful, fun, and safe event.”

The fair reported just three arrests this year. Two were for domestic violence and one was for counterfeiting. According to a Sacramento Bee analysis, the fair averaged more than 60 arrests per year from 2009 to 2017.

The state fair has a history of crime. The Bee’s archives indicate 10 arrests, gunfire and fighting on opening day in 2008, a $100,000 heist in 2011 and a stabbing outside the front gate in 2003.

This year, police faced accusations of racism and excessive force after they allegedly chased, tackled and bloodied an 11-year-old boy during Kids Day on July 19.

The fair was not held for two years because of the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s fair welcomed a slew of new and returning food vendors, as well as over 30 rides and attractions provided by Butler Amusements. According to Pickering, the State Fair’s food and ride partners reported that this year’s fair was “by far their most successful ever.”

Fairgoers also came out in droves for a host of indoor exhibitions, including a new cannabis award exhibit and the Candy Maze Selfie Station.

“I am filled with joy to share that about 20,000 pounds of candy was purchased by fairgoers at the CA State Fair,” said Andrew Kirschenmann of the Candy Maze Selfie Station. “This is the most we have ever done at a single event!”

The State Fair also hosted a series of concerts, featuring artists including TLC, KC & the Sunshine Band, Clay Walker, Chase Rice and Blanco Brown.