Folsom’s Thursday Night Marketplace and Street Fair, for 2011, will end on the last week of July. Every Thursday from June 9 through July 28 the streets of Folsom’s Historic District are packed with visitors, musicians, performers and vendors. Except for Thursday, June 30, when the Folsom Cattle Run took place, Sutter Street has seen thousands of visitors each Thursday as they visit and enjoy various performances. For the past two weeks a trio of young musicians have occupied the 600 block of Sutter Street. Derek Thomas, singer, Sam Plecker, guitarist and Nolan Le Vine, drummer, make up the group called Thomas and Plecker. The Roseville band has entertained visitors for the last two week

The California State Fair at Cal Expo runs until July 31, and if this past weekend is any indication of its popularity, the fair will be well attended. There is so much to see and do that you either have to start early and spend the whole day or make more than one trip to the annual fair. The State Fair offers a season pass that includes unlimited admission to the fair and the Raging Waters park. Summer concerts, special events, featured attractions, activities just for kids, competitions, agricultural exhibits, food, wine, beer, shopping, rides, slides and “big fun” are many of the activities visitors can experience. For over a century and a half, the California State Fair has brough

Tyler Glenn, lead singer of Neon Trees,  bounded across stage with his red motorcycle jacket flashing in the evening sun with the first notes of “Your Surrender” playing seductively in the audiences ears. Up went his leg in a kick and up to their feet went the crowd, shouting and waving their hands in the air. Fresh from opening for My Chemical Romance, Neon Trees made a stop in Sacramento before heading off to Indonesia for the next leg of their whirlwind tour. Hailing from Provo, Utah, this band is making a name for themselves with their first “official” debut album Habits which came out March of last year. Featuring the singles, “Animal” and “1983” this CD with 8 tracks may be small

I hopped on over to the Fair today in the early afternoon. Headed for the Gelato booth first thing and then just roamed around at my leisure. Here's what I saw: Defenders of Freedom has large vinyl postcards for fair visitors to write a personal message to military personnel deployed overseas. The United States Postal Service is a partner in this.A permanent memorial, the Cal Expo September 11 Memorial Plaza displays photos from that day and features a steel I-beam from the World Trade Center as well as a 5,000 lb. granite ball inscribed with the names of all who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. Three rounds of the Firehouse Challenge had California Firefighters pairing up into two

There has been much ado in the press about one particularly odd food offering at this year’s California State Fair. Frequent visitors to ranSACkedmedia.com know exactly what I’m talking about; The Maggot Melt. It is two pieces of melted cheese on a toasted bun, with just a dash of something that one might expect to find squirming around on a piece of doggy doo-doo. I decided to try one for myself to see if it lived up to the hype. As always, there are dozens of different food vendors at Cal Expo serving up a wide variety of specialties. However, if you want to test your courage you’ll have to find “Jungle George’s Exotic Meats and Bugs”. The menu boasts way more than just the Maggot Melt.

I had the opportunity to meet with Troy Carlson, CEO of Stage Nine Entertainment Store and Exhibit Design, the creators of probably the most impressive exhibit at the California State Fair this year. “Rock U: The Institute of Rock ‘N’ Roll,” is located in building 5. This custom designed exhibit is an interactive adventure into one of America’s greatest institutions - Rock ‘n’ Roll. Admission is free with your entrance to the fair. According to Carlson, “This really is a mix between a museum and an Exploratorium.” The exhibit provides attendees museum style displays such as vintage posters and photos, while also providing plenty of hands-on exhibits. The exhibit features interactive sta

This year’s California State Fair has something for epicures, animal lovers and thrill seekers alike. With attractions ranging from maple bacon ice cream sundaes to MC Hammer, baby animals and a 60-mile-per-hour roller coaster, the State Fair aims to deliver on its theme: “The Fun Just Got Bigger,” July 14-31. Adventurous foodies will meet their match at Jungle George’s, where they can taste alligator on a stick or sample deep-fried and chocolate-dipped crickets. State Fair General Manager Norb Bartosik suggested that brave fair foodies check out a bizarre new addition to this year’s menu: the “maggot melt,” a protein-rich sandwich made from, you guessed it, maggots. Those with more tra

Jim-Denny's has gotten lots of local attention in 76 years of grilling burgers and serving breakfast. Now travelers and foodies throughout the country have a chance to learn about the little white and red diner when Jim-Denny's is featured on the Travel Channel show “Man v. Food” Wednesday night. After finishing a batch of chicken corn chowder Tuesday morning, co-owner Patsy Lane said she's a little stressed about the show and a viewing party they're throwing Wednesday night. Lane will make food for the party, to be held from 7-10 p.m. at Butch N Nellie's, 19th and I streets. Everyone in the community is invited, Lane said. "I'm nervous," she said. The show will air at 9 p.m. For the e

Dozens of people showed up today in a peaceful demonstration to protest the police shooting of a pregnant cow at the California State Fair. Many say that this tragic incident could have been avoided and in fact should never have happened at all. The cow was shot 11 times and killed Tuesday just before gates were to open in front of vendors like Carolyn Hadin, who videotaped the entire incident on her cell phone. Hadin said she has likely been permanently traumatized by the shooting and fears she will have trouble sleeping for some time. The cow was scheduled to give birth to her calf in public view, but Jennifer Fearing, the California senior state director for the Humane Society, said

If you've been thinking you'd like to go to the State Fair at Cal Expo, best mark your calendar for sometime this week because Sun., Aug. 1 is the last day. I've been four times since it opened and still haven't seen it all. If I start out in a not so good mood, I lighten up as I travel around the rides and booths and see all the people. Cattlemen's Day pulled me back yesterday in the late afternoon. The Bullfest Ride show started off with a scramble to see who could be the first to saddle a horse. Of course, the horses were not agreeable.The cowboys took it seriously. One evades a bull (below). Standing on top of his horse, this cowboy from Mexico plays "jump rope" with his lasso.

Thursday night, venerable comedian and OCD-stricken performer Howie Mandel appeared at the California State Fair on the Main Stage. After a less-than-tasteful and off-color opening act, Mandel took the stage with a rapid-fire delivery and a huge smile. Almost immediately, it was obvious that he has not lost his comedic edge even after appearing as a dramatic actor (“St. Elsewhere”), voiceover actor (“Bobby's World,” “Muppet Babies” and “Gremlins”) and talk show host and judge (“Deal or No Deal,” “America's Got Talent”). The fair provided a delightful interpreter for the deaf, Sharon Ramsey, who was addressed multiple times by Mandel as he used words and expressions just to see how they w

There were brand new arrivals at the Fair today - new baby piglets and a calf. Perfect timing for Kids Day today (all kids 12 and under receive FREE admission all day each Tuesday). And the human kids were entranced looking at the brand spanking new critters. This 300 pound momma hog gave birth to six little ones early today. Their eyes were open and they were walking around the pen. This was a typical scene of how the kids were looking at the mom and new arrivals. Momma cow licks her new offspring as it tries to take its first steps. It got up on its hind legs several times and then had to rest. The Livestock Nursery will continue to be busy as more animal moms are expecting any day.

California's State opened today, a month earlier than in the past. Kids are home for the summer, they're hungry, bring them to the fair and feed them for less money! Plus they'll see some neat stuff.   Opening ceremonies kicked off the fair this morning. A member of the Air Force Color Guard adjusts the American Flag. Fair goers were lined up outside the ticket booths (on left and below). Our National Anthem was sung. Poppy the Bear listens as Norb Bartosik, General Manager/CEO of the State Fair welcomed one and all. Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Pony Express, a historical ten day re-ride traversed the original 1,995 mile route through Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Ne

From dinosaurs to wiener dogs, lawnmower races to Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch rides, corndogs to chocolate covered bacon, the 157-year-old California State Fair has something for everyone. With roughly 40,000 people per day running through the fair, and numerous attractions to see, Norbert Bartosik, CEO and general manager of the State Fair, promises a “Passport to Adventure.” “It’s a new adventure every year,” Bartosik said. “The State Fair showcases what California is all about: its people. People showing off their talents, education, entertainment…It’s something you won’t find in a theme park.” Although the fair won’t be a theme park, the Cal Expo grounds were in fact designed

The Sacramento Kings will host auditions for the 2010-11 Sacramento Kings Dance Team on July 18 at the California State Fair at Cal Expo. Auditions will be open to the public and will take place on the Cal Expo Main Stage. Registration will begin at 4 p.m. and auditions will begin at approximately 5 p.m. All candidates are encouraged to visit Kings.com for additional information. All eligible audition candidates must be 18 years of age or older by November 1, 2010 and should wear a two-piece dance ensemble with nude nylons or tights and non-marking soled shoes. Applicants should also bring a copy of their resume and a current headshot to the auditions (photos will not be returned) and en

The Sacramento River Cats edged the Portland Beavers 4-3 in Thursday night’s series opener. With the bases loaded and no outs, Sacramento center fielder Corey Wimberly singled into center field in the bottom of the ninth inning to drive in the winning run. Thursday’s victory was Sacramento’s fifth win in a row and moves the River Cats to four games behind Fresno in the Pacific South Division. Portland took an early lead in the second inning when Anthony Contreras hit a home run to right field with two runners on base. For the rest of the game, Portland presented no threat with only one runner advancing as far as second base on a walk. Sacramento evened the score in the fourth inning when

Cal Expo and the State Fair hosted the 15th annual Grape & Gourmet wine event at the Sacramento Convention Center Wednesday. The convention center was a perfect venue for the largest showcase of award-winning California wines in the world. There were over 700 California wines from more than 200 wineries. Those who attended enjoyed unlimited food, wine, micro-brewed beer and music. Prior to entering the event, each “wino” received a free commemorative wineglass and wine tote to encourage sampling and purchasing. There were approximately 3,000 guests who attended, and, surprisingly, it was not overcrowded. There were booths and booths of wineries, many with gold, silver and bronze ribbons

Sacramento's PRIDE 2010 kicked off with Dyke Night, an evening of music and entertainment on the west Capitol steps to lead into the new location of this year's festivities on Sacramento’s Capitol Mall near between the Tower Bridge and the Capitol building. Here are some moments: Two women in the audience respond to the performers on stage. Allyn Pharo and her dog Sterling. The crowd filled the lawn in front of the west Capitol steps. Aurora (top and bottom) played to the crowd. Emcee and Organizer Hilary Hodge keep the pace going throughout the evening. Tina Reynolds, Equality Action Now, gave folks an update on Prop.8. Dancers from Hot Pot Studios (above) moved their bodi

With an iconic new location--Sacramento's scenic Capitol Mall, expanded marketing efforts and a growing roster of prestigious corporate sponsors and exhibitors, the 26-year-old Sacramento Pride Festival is expected to break attendance records on Saturday. The June 19 Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., attracting an estimated 10,000 visitors and bringing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of economic benefit to Sacramento’s downtown area. Festival admission is $10. After a number of years at South Side Park, the Festival will move to Capitol Mall in 2010, where a street-festival layout sandwiched between the Tower Bridge and the State Capitol dome is expected to add novelty

Let’s face it—a sawbuck just doesn’t go very far these days. But thanks to generous corporate sponsorships and a year's worth of robust volunteer effort to build the event, Sacramento Pride is shaping up to be the best value of the region's summer festival season! Sacramento Pride Festival, Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will be held at Sacramento’s scenic Capitol Mall for the first time this year. To go along with its exciting new location, Pride's volunteer organizers are bringing in new attractions, star-power entertainment, and excellent swag--all for the price of a $10 admission ticket. Here is a list of the top 10 added values for guests attending Sacramento Pride: 1) $50