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Sale came as festival's opening weekend drew more than 100,000 visitors.

Farm Press Staff

July 17, 2019

2 Min Read
FFA jackets
FFA members and others from throughout the Sacramento area participated in last weekend's California State Fair livestock auction, which netted near-record bids.Tim Hearden

Young members of 4-H, FFA and Grange clubs this week participated in the California State Fair's highest grossing Sale of Champions in more than 10 years.

During the prestigious annual livestock auction Sunday, buyers were able to bid on the best steers, lambs, barrows, goats, and rabbits that California has to offer. The total gross of the sale this year was more than $274,000 – the highest since 2008 and the second highest ever, according to a news release.

The Sale of Champions is a long-time tradition of the California State Fair. The winners of the livestock competitions are auctioned off to raise money for the youth who have dedicated hours of effort into raising animals.

“The California State Fair always strives to build on the success of previous years, especially when it comes to contributing to charitable organizations and youth,” said Rick Pickering, Cal Expo General Manager and CEO. “We are thrilled to see records like these being broken at the 2019 California State Fair, and we are looking forward to more highlights in the days ahead.” 

The aucrion comes amid what organizers are calling a successful state fair, drawing more than 100,000 visitors on opening weekend.

Giving Mondays

On Monday, as part of the fair’s “Giving Mondays,” fairgoers brought in 10,551 pounds of non-perishable items for the Elk Grove Food Bank. The drive is sponsored by the Sacramento Metropolitan Utility District (SMUD).

Fairgoers will have a chance to contribute again next Monday for SMUD Giving Monday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., fair officials say. Attendees can bring in three non-expired, non-perishable food items and get in free before 3 p.m.

In other agriculture-related happenings, the fair's Agricultural Heritage Club welcomed 18 new members on Wednesday. The club recognizes families, businesses and special interests that have maintained a financial responsibility in agriculture for at least 100 years, according to the fair's website.

The inductees were honored at a special breakfast and award presentation, and each was given a plaque honoring the family or business.

The state fair in Sacramento opened July 12 and runs through July 28.

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