The California State Fair is Going Hollywood!

2008 Exhibits Will Help Bring ``Big Fun Studios'' to Life with
Lights, Cameras and Action!
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
The California State Fair is planning to bring the excitement of
Hollywood to Cal Expo this summer. This year, Fair organizers have
settled on a number of featured attractions that will focus on
Hollywood and how modern day movies and entertainment come to life.

"Hollywood is an integral part of California's culture and
economy. Every industry and culture in the State has played a role in
making Hollywood what it is today," said Norb Bartosik, State Fair CEO
and General Manager. "Our goal is to celebrate those connections and
bring some of the Hollywood energy, excitement and diversity to Cal
Expo, while still maintaining our time honored State Fair traditions
and customs."

The following are just a few of the Hollywood-themed exhibits and
attractions that fairgoers can expect to see at "Big Fun Studios" from
August 15 - Labor Day.

-- Going Hollywood Exhibit (Presented By Stage Nine Entertainment
Store) - The "Going Hollywood" exhibit will take fairgoers on
a journey through the movie-making process beginning with the
development of a story and ending with movie production. Fans
can see a casting call, get autographs from visiting
celebrities and take pictures with costumed characters. A wide
variety of film props and actual wardrobe items from different
movie genres including; westerns, alien invasions, monster
movies, romance and kid's flicks will provide something for
fans of all ages.

The center of the exhibit will be the "Sound Stage Nine," an
interactive replica of a sound stage complete with green screen
technology, professional stunts, special effects and exclusive Q & A
sessions with influential members of the Hollywood community.

-- Hollywood Backlot - Come visit Big Fun Studios, a life-size
outdoor backlot similar to the sets and studios of Los
Angeles. You be the star! Walk the Red Carpet, stroll down the
streets of New York or journey back to the Wild West!

-- Sound Effects Stage Show - This new interactive stage show
shows you what happens behind the scenes and lets onlookers
play a part.

-- Sea Lion Encounters Live Show -These celebrity animals have
been on the big screen and the small screen. Now they're
coming to the State Fair with a special water stunt show and
an educational program all about water and wildlife.

-- Hollywood High Dive Stunt Show - These high flying stunt
divers will celebrate Hollywood through the ages with their
fast paced, high energy dive show that follows the story of
the Hollywood movie making industry with fun costumes and
music the whole family can enjoy.

-- Stars of the Peking Acrobats Live - As seen in the movies,
these amazing performers will combine sensational Chinese
acrobatics with comedy, balancing feats and much more.

-- CSI Live (August 26 - September 1) - Don't miss this exciting
interactive journey through the world of crime scene
investigation - only for a limited time.

-- Casting Calls - the State Fair is on the hunt for celebrity
look-alikes to help bring Big Fun Studios to life every day.
Plus, on Saturdays during the Fair you may get discovered by
participating in our special State Fair Casting Calls. Models,
actors and performers wanted! Sponsored by John Robert Powers.

-- Red Carpet Fashion Exhibit - This exhibit will showcase actual
red carpet fashions worn by real celebrities to major
Hollywood events. Wardrobe provided by the Clothes Off Our
Back charity.

-- Floriculture "An Indy Adventure" - This horticultural
masterpiece will replicate the on location set from this
summer's big screen hit "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the
Crystal Skulls."

-- Animal Actors - The 2008 State Fair will showcase a number of
animal actors, including Blanco, the white Andalusian horse
known for his role as Gandalf's horse Shadowfax in "The Lord
of the Rings" trilogy. Blanco will perform in the Cavalcade of
Horses during the Fair.

Big Fun Studios Movie Poster

In keeping with the theme, the State Fair will also be working
with Los Angeles-based artist, Sergio Grisanti, to design its official
Fair poster. Grisanti studied with John Alvin, a legendary movie
poster artist who worked on such films as Lord of The Rings, E.T. the
Extra Terrestrial, Lion King, and Pirate of the Caribbean. Alvin had
originally agreed to design the State Fair poster but died
unexpectedly earlier this year. Grisanti has graciously agreed to move
forward with the project on his behalf as a tribute to his friend and
mentor. The final State Fair poster will be unveiled in July and will
be available to the general public after August 15.

More BIG FUN

Other new exhibits include:

-- UC Davis 100th Anniversary Exhibit

-- Department of Water Resources Delta Exhibit

-- Rats, Bats & Cats in Expo Center

-- Newly renovated 9/11 Memorial Exhibit

Returning favorites at the 2008 State Fair include:

-- Live Thoroughbred Racing in the Grandstand (August 20 -
September 1)

-- Baby Animals in the Livestock Nursery

-- Family-friendly Rides in the Kaiser Permanente Kids Park

-- Terry Stokes the Hypnotist

-- The Magnificent Midway

-- Freestyle Motocross, Roller Derby and Street Bikes in the
Toyota Xtreme Zone

-- Blue & Brews Stage with Live Music & Dancing Every Night

-- Hussong's Cantina with Music and Flavor from South of the
Border

-- California Green Dream Expo in the California Building

-- The Step Up Dance Team

-- Diane Olds Rossi in the Cavalcade of Horses

-- Art, Culture and Agriculture Exhibits in the Expo Center

-- Save Mart Supermarkets Wine Garden

-- Monster Trucks, Demolition Derby and Rodeo Events

-- California Foodstyle

-- Operation Postcard

-- And more!

Discounted tickets to the 2008 California State Fair are on sale
now at www.bigfun.org. Fairgoers can click 'n print their online
tickets up until Wednesday, August 13 and get discounts of up to $35%
off general fair admission. The Cal Expo Box Office will also be open
on select days. Visit www.bigfun.org for box office dates and times.

The 2008 California State Fair will be held Aug. 15 to Sept. 1 at
Cal Expo in Sacramento, Calif.

MEDIA CONTACT ONLY:
California State Fair Media Center
Brooke Converse, 916-263-3108 or 916-416-0796
MediaCenter@calexpo.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008