A Visit to the 2024 Orange County Fair

Hispanic Lifestyle afternoon visit to the OC Fair

Yesterday afternoon we escaped the heat of the Inland Valley with a trip to the 2024 Orange County Fair and yes, it was packed. There was lots of food and rides. I would have liked to see more showcases such as photography, arts and craft exhibits. That is why I like attending fairs. I love to the see who one the first place blue ribbons. But if you are looking food? There was lots of food, did I already mention that?

I didn’t know it was possible, but on this day the fair was sold-out. Our advice, if you are attending the OC Fair on a weekend, make sure to purchase your tickets in advance. Also we discovered there is a parking across the street at the college and it was only five dollars.

The OC Fair is taking place through August 18, 2024.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS by Richard Sandoval

Items to explore

• Taste of the Fair is back with smaller-size food options for just $5 every day until 4 p.m.
• Local talent is on display on community stages every day and night of the Fair. Watch friends, neighbors and up-and-coming performers give it all they’ve got. Look for acoustic music, rock performances, country music, dance groups and more.
• All-Alaskan Racing Pigs will be back on their track in Plaza Pacifica – fairgoers can cheer on their favorites as the little porkers cavort around the course.
  In the Livestock area, there are more animals to teach and entertain. Displays will feature pygmy goats, llamas, global livestock, urban chickens and miniature donkeys.
  At Centennial Farm, the resident animal educators will teach visitors about farm life and fairgoers can check out California crops. Learn about beekeeping, gardening and growing rare fruit.
  Action Sports Arena is back with comedy hypnotism, demolition derbies, monster trucks and BMX bike shows. The new Chris Mabrey Comedy Hypnotist show is free with Fair admission.
  Local residents showcase their talents and attempt to take home coveted OC Fair blue ribbons in categories like photography, fine art, woodworking, floral arrangements, table-setting, cake decorating and growing flowers, vegetables and fruit. Check out the competitions in Visual Arts, Home Arts and OC Promenade.

Key things to know about the 2024 OC Fair – July 19-Aug. 18

• A limited number of tickets are available each day – dates will sell out
• Advance online ticket sales are required – no transaction fees
• Tickets are good only for the date purchased; please choose days carefully – no refunds
• With the Every Day Passport fairgoers can enjoy the Fair any day or every day for $60 with no restrictions or blackout dates – quantities are limited

Free with OC Fair admission

• Exhibits and demonstrations – check out blue-ribbon winners, explore handcrafts and woodworking, marvel at large-scale album-cover art and get great tips from chefs during culinary demos
• Visit the Art of Music Experience to wander through more than 150 hand-painted recreations, neon and displays, a themed cocktail lounge, a pop-up record store or participate in one of the many interactive experiences
• Performances on community stages and nightly fun – see local talent, sing karaoke with a live band, catch a show in Baja Bar & Grill and dance in La Cantina
• Animal experiences – visit Centennial Farm’s animal educators, All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, livestock displays and Great American Petting Farm
• New – hypnotist Chris Mabrey performs free in Action Sports Arena, Aug. 7-11

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