Diving Doggies

Need a good reason to trek up to the California State Fair in Sacramento? Here's one: Splash Dogs.

I can't think of anything more delightful than the sight of a pooch gleefully flying through the air and splash landing into a pool of water. So pack up the kids and camera and make plans to traverse our lovely state in search of these acrobatic water-loving pooches, who will be soaring off Dog Dock and into a 25-foot pool at the Cal Expo (1600 Exposition Blvd.) from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. this weekend (Aug. 21-23). It's a competitive event, so you can root for your favorite canine to see which one will jump out the farthest.

Of course, the fair is packed with all sorts of other excitement over the course of its run Aug. 21-Sept. 7. Climb aboard one of four rides that came from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch or catch up on the history of sweets at Candy Nation, a sugary new exhibit. And, of course, you'll find rides, exhibits, concerts and animals of all shapes and varieties.

General admission to the fair is $10 ($6 for ages 5-12), you find all sorts of packages and deals (an all-day wristband for unlimited rides is $28). Parking is $10.