I had the pleasure of spending a day last week behind the scenes at the State Fair and getting an up-close look at the County Exhibits. Wandering through these exhibits has always been one of my favorite parts of the Fair – even before I joined the CSAC team. And I’m not alone; the displays are a perennial favorite, attracting hundreds of thousands of fairgoers each year.

While designing and building an exhibit of this magnitude takes a lot of time, commitment and funds, the payback can be significant.  Not only does the exhibit instill county pride, but it’s a great marketing opportunity when you consider how many state residents stop by during the two-plus weeks of the Fair. As for cost, in most cases the award money covers the exhibit expenses.

The creativity in this year’s county exhibits is impressive. Don’t miss the amazing beehive spotlighting Glenn County, the “land of milk and honey.” Placer County’s use of technology (yes, that is really you being filmed). Lake County’s interactive and diverse display. The detailed craftsmanship and detail in the Tuolumne County exhibit. The manner in which Sacramento County brought its “Farm to Fork” theme to life. Yolo County’s unique way of highlighting agriculture: through seeds. The list goes on and on.

The following county exhibits are being honored this year:

• Best of Show – Glenn County
• Best of Division  (Community-Built Exhibits) – Lake County
• Best of Division (Professionally-Built Exhibits) – Placer County
• Best Content Award – Amador County
• Best Marketing Presentation Award – Glenn County
• Best Craftsmanship Award – Tuolumne County
• Best Agricultural Presentation – Yolo County
• Best Design Award – Sacramento County
• Best Use of Special Effects/Animation Award – Placer County
• Best Use of Products, Produce or Artifacts – Mono County
• Best Visitor Experience Award – Calaveras County
• Superintendent’s Award – Sierra County

CSAC would like to thank all of the counties and their residents who took the time and effort to create their exhibits, and congratulate those who are named above. After spending a few hours behind the scenes, the level of detail is truly impressive.

So if you go out to the State Fair, which continues through July 28, make sure you stop by Hall A to review the exhibits. It’s an opportunity to learn a see the diversity and myriad treasures of our counties – as well a chance to get out of the heat.

Click here to see photos of the exhibits. But these photos don’t do these exhibits justice. It’s best to see them in person.