SACRAMENTO, Calif. — About 28,000 total corn dogs were consumed during the California State Fair’s 17-day run in 2024, meaning people collectively ate an average of 1,647 corn dogs per day.
Over 40,000 lemons were used to make lemonade and around 14,400 funnel cakes, 13,000 turkey legs and 10,000 deep fried Oreos were served, according to Cal Expo statistics released Monday.
"This year's California State Fair has truly been historic," said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California State Fair and Cal Expo.
Food and beverage sales grossed more than $10 million, which is a figure not previously realized, according to the state. The carnival experienced a closing weekend, single-day record of $634,000, and local travel economy was impacted by hotel stays in the greater Sacramento region, the fairgrounds said.
The fair, which marked its 170th year in 2024, reportedly saw a 10% increase in attendance since 2023. Last year, about 590,000 people came out, meaning there were about 649,000 people this year.
People showed up despite 11 days of triple-digit heat; there were 13 air-conditioned buildings to combat high temperatures, the fairgrounds said.
The 2024 California State Fair also said it was the first state fair to host a cannabis consumption area, ABC10 previously reported. The fair’s third-annual Cannabis Exhibit and Competition showcased cannabis products from across the state, judged on criteria including quality, innovation and sustainability, according to Cal Expo.
“This is the Oscars of cannabis,” said Dustin Moore, co-founder of Embarc, the dispensary managing the consumption lounge.
Other fair statistics include:
- More than 3,500 free admissions were provided to honor our Military, Veterans and First Responders for Appreciation Day.
- Over 900 beers entered into the Commercial Beer Competition.
- Approximately 1,776 wines entered into the Commercial Wine Competition.
- At the Butler Amusement Midway, fairgoers rode over 1 million times in total. The King XXL ride was ridden over 60,000 times. The white-water ride was ridden over 65,000 times.
- Butler Amusement sold over 100,000 fast passes.
- One of the more popular exhibits was the Wild Things Adventure. Nearly 100,000 people moved through the exhibit.
- Nearly 3,500 livestock animals entered into the various competitions.
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