There are just two weekends of fun left at the Orange County Fair, so we thought we’d drop by and show you around a bit.
The security tents
General admission is a bargain at just $11
The Super Pass gives you unlimited daily admission through the run of the fair
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/65/itp-080412-IMG_0994.jpg[/img]
Now that we’re in the gates, where to start first? Should we hit the rides, grab a fried Twinkie, or better yet, why don’t we go do a little shopping first? There’s so much to do here. We got sidetracked at the Centennial Barn and its adorable animals.
CENTENNIAL BARN
One of our favorite places in the whole fair is the Centennial Barn. It has the gardens, it has the animals, it even has nice little places to relax.
They took the area that used to house the chicks and made it shaded seating.
CRAFTERS VILLAGE
Time to shop! But, not for just anything. No, we are looking for one-of-a-kind stuff.
Imagineer Joe Rhode would like this shop.
ENTERTAINMENT
Then there is the entertainment. Sometimes it is great! Other times, well, let’s just say it’s . . . unique.
FOOD
We suspect that the real reason why may folks come to the fair is to see what they have figured out how to fry. This year, as was previewed at the Del Mar Fair in San Diego last month, we have fried cereal, fried kool-aid, fried bacon, and bacon wrapped turkey legs. Let’s check out the deadly delights.
MEMORIAL
There is also a very solemn memorial featuring pieces from the World Trade Center.
RIDES
Another big feature of the fair is the rides. The are missing the crazy green coaster this year, but on the upside, there is a new dark ride. But, if you thought the ticket increases at Disneyland were bad, look at the prices to ride just one ride. WOW. We suggest that you take advantage of one of the many deal days that we have listed below.
At about 8 to 12 tickets per ride, it ads up quickly!
KID LAND
There is also a Kid Land filled with rides that are a little bit more tame.
PARADE OF PRODUCTS (or as we like to call it, The HALL OF CRAP)
You will find everything you never knew you needed and MORE in these halls!!!
We love the taffy pulling machine. They need one of these in the candy shop on Main Street.
AFTER THE FAIR
Something that we are happy to see is a program to find new homes for the plants which decorate the fair. There are many groupings of palms, marigolds, and other splashes of color. After the fair, they need to find a proper garden. Guests are invited to come the day after closing and buy these plants below wholesale costs. Kinda cool huh?
DEALS
DAILY- HEROES GET IN FREE
All military (active and veterans) – free admission with I.D.
Not valid for spouses or dependents
WE CARE WEDNESDAY
One free admission and one carnival ride per person. Person donating items must be present to receive admission ticket. Free admission tickets are only valid on the day of the drive. School Supply Drive
Wednesday, August 8
(Noon – 4 pm)
One FREE admission and one carnival ride per person with donation of (1) one new school supply item valued at $5 or more.
THURSDAYS
Kids Day
Free admission 12 and under – all day
FRIDAYS
Seniors Day (60+)
$2 off plus free Ferris wheel and merry-go-round rides – all day
FRIDAY – SUNDAY
OC Fair Express
OC Fair Express riders traveling to the OC Fair receive a coupon for $2 Fair Admission.
OCTA service hours: Friday 3 pm – Midnight / Saturday & Sunday 10 am – Midnight
Bus Fare: $1.50 one way / $3 round trip
EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Rise & Shine $2 General Admission
(10 am – 11 am)
EVERY WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
$30 Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands – Plus 2 Free Games
(Sold until 5 pm – valid until 8 pm)
Every Friday
$2 Rides & $2 Games
(Valid until 4 pm)
Whatever your taste, the Fair likely has something for you. You don’t have to eat the crazy food, or be brave enough to ride the terrifying rides to enjoy the crafts and contests, animals, gardens and endless opportunities to buy products you never knew you couldn’t live without. But the Orange County Fair ends on August 12th, so hitch up the horse to the family wagon and drag the family down to Costa Mesa for some good old fashion fun.