COSTA MESA, Calif.—The Orange County Fair kicked off July 14 with a ceremonial American flag-raising ceremony.
Soon after, families and teens on summer vacation made their way to the event’s novelty food stands, while screams of excitement from those riding the fair’s small roller-coasters could be heard.
“There’s always crazy food at the fair, but we’re really excited about the new stuff, because we think it will appeal to a wide range of palettes,” Orange County Fair CEO Michele Richards told City News Service.
One new food item is the Maple Bacon Smoothie “for those super bacon fans,” according to Ms. Richards, along with fruit pizzas and deep-fried s’mores.
The fair, which will run through August 13, sees the return of several pre-pandemic attractions including a rodeo show, concerts, and action sports arena, but also three new rides.
“One is called Joker 360,'' Ms. Richards said. “We also have a brand-new roller coaster called Rafter that looks very gnarly, and a ride called the Slingshot ... that shoots you up the air 70 feet.”
This year’s fair also offers another new attraction where attendees can experience an “interactive” exhibit about the history of music since the 1940s, according to fair officials.
The attraction will also include vintage music-advertising billboards once displayed on the busy streets of Los Angeles.
“There’s one of Tom Jones and the Smashing Pumpkins,” Ms. Richards said.
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley attended the opening day celebration and said the fair is not only a major economic driver for the City of Costa Mesa, but also a “super fun” event that people look forward to.
The fair’s theme this year is “Happy Together.”
“We all could use more happiness in our lives, and for my office, we’re all here together to celebrate the opening day of the fair,” Ms. Foley told The Epoch Times.
Tickets range from $9-15 for day rates, or $60 for a “super pass” which allows entry any day, even when tickets are sold out.
The fair is located at the OC Fair & Event Center at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.
