COSTA MESA-A whole lot of
people are going to the OC Super Fair to see some
fascinating animals, taste outrageous food, and dance up a
storm. See
another year at the OC Fair, or see the
California Fair List.
Watching new born piglets, gigantic oxen, baby chicks, cows,
sheep, lovebirds and many other critters is not only
exciting entertainment but educating to city folks and
others who maybe have never seen them--at least not upclose
and personal. Here you not only get to catch a glimpse &
hear their unique sounds, but you actually learn to
appreciate these creatures thanks to the volunteers who
explain whatever you want to know about them.
One of the nice Fair Volunteers explained how oxen were so
much better than mules, horses or cattle for pulling
emigrants' covered wagons to California during the Gold
Rush. Not only were they stronger, and could usually find
something natural to eat growing on the ground during the
long trek, but these amazing animals also could provide
much-needed milk and, in a dire emergency, could even be
eaten, she said.
Overhearing kids comments is one of the joys at the Fair: "I
want to have a piglet as a pet," said one little boy to his
mother, while looking at the entirely cute baby pigs nursing
on the tired mom, who just gave birth to them. "They're the
cutest thing I've seen. Can't I have one mommy?"
You can spend your whole day watching, listening & talking
to the animals at Centennial Farm and the Livestock Areas or
you can see how many different types of incredible food is
offered by vendors--everything from traditional cotton
candy, lemonade and hamburgers to corn on the cob, turkey
legs, beef brisket, fresh cut California potato chips and
funnel cakes, gyros, burritos.... There seems to be more
food at the Fair than ever before, casting delicious aromas
throughout the grounds. It's fun to see and smell the meat
and chicken cooking in smokers. (TIP #1: Be sure and look in
the free Fair Program for discount offers at many of the
food vendors. There are a lot of good deals to be had and
even some free food, when purchasing other stuff. TIP #2:
Some Ralphs Supermarket register receipts can be used to get
you and some others into the Fair on Wed-Fri for $5! That's
a super saving but be sure to read the receipt for the exact
details. That's what I
used to get in.)
After munching down your grub, why not sit and watch some
terrific acts appearing on several stages--from tap dancing
women sailors to all-star school jazz musicians--to
singers--and seniors dancing the polka, like they really
know how to do.
When you're done eating, it's fun to go into the halls and
watch the spellbinding hawkers selling their mops, slicers &
dicers, and a lot more to passersby, who keenly watch their
smooth pitches and patter. These men and women are
sensational at what they do--over and over and over and over
again--somehow unleashing new enthusiasm each time. They're
really pros!
There's so much to do at the Fair that you'll have to go
back again and again. They even have a season pass so you
can do just that. Enjoy the journey to the land where most
people of all ages seem truly happy. It's too bad the Fair
couldn't last all year long. Not only does it churn out
happiness but extra seasonal employment and much needed
revenue for the badly strapped governments, like the state.
The OC Super Fair--See it while it's still here to see.
(Open through Aug. 9th. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. For more
details, check out their cool website, ocfair.com).
Where to stay: Right
across the highway from the fair are several affordable
hotels that include
Comfort Inn and
Best Western Mesa Inn. If you don't mind walking about
half a mile (five blocks,) you can leave your car at the
hotel and save parking fees at the fairgrounds.
By C.
MacDonald
OC Fair July 16- Aug15, 2010
