Sacramento, CA – The California State Fair has introduced new operating hours for weekdays in response to the intense summer heat, with gates now opening later in the afternoon. Starting this Monday, the fair will open its doors at 4 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, marking a significant change from its usual 11 a.m. opening time that had been in place since the mid-2000s.
The move comes as Cal Expo, the venue for the annual fair, seeks to reduce exposure to the sweltering afternoon temperatures that have become a recurring issue in recent years. Fairgoers who arrived earlier in the day were surprised to find the fairgrounds closed until the afternoon.
“We had actually planned to come out earlier to avoid the heat,” said Shane Day, a fair attendee. “But when we checked the hours, we found out they didn’t open until 4.”
However, some visitors expressed a preference for a later start time, which allows for a more enjoyable evening experience. “We enjoy the nighttime vibe, with the lights and the energy that comes with it,” said Erin Fraker, another fairgoer.
Why the Change in Hours?
According to fair officials, the decision to shift the operating hours is based on attendee behavior trends. “Our data shows that most visitors typically arrive after 4 p.m., so it made sense to adjust our hours accordingly,” explained a spokesperson for Cal Expo.
The fair has faced financial challenges in recent years, prompting the need to cut costs, including reducing staff. The new hours help lower operational costs for fair management and vendors, who will have fewer employees working during the hottest parts of the day.
Despite the change, officials are confident that the new schedule will not negatively impact attendance. “We are not anticipating a loss in crowd size,” said Alex Alcantar, a spokesperson for the state fair. “We expect people will still come out in strong numbers.”
Keeping Cool During the Heat
While the fairgrounds will remain closed during the mid-day heat, attendees can still stay cool with features such as water misters and designated cooling stations throughout the venue. Cal Expo officials assure that, even with the adjusted hours, visitors will be able to enjoy a comfortable and exciting experience.
The state fair has been no stranger to extreme heat, with last year setting a record for 11 days of triple-digit temperatures. With the new hours in place, the fair hopes to avoid the heat-related challenges that have plagued previous events.
For the weekends, the fair will maintain its traditional hours, opening at 10 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
For More Latest News & Information Visit Now! Voxa Times.
