Orange County Fair    July 13 - August 12, 2013, open Wednesday-Sunday,  ocfair.com

88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 

Costa Mesa, California -- Orange County Fair is held annually in Costa Mesa at the Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, Ca 0cfair.com

In 2012 the Orange County Fair took on a very familiar and comforting theme, Home Sweet Home. What a wonderful time to celebrate the comforts of home -- food, music and entertainment all focused on the domestic side of life, mixed with wild rides, crazy foods, and extreme fun.

The event has over a month's run and features lots of urban and tons of farm. Pigs, sheep, goats, huge livestock such as cattle, chicks, and many farm-bred creatures compete and are on display.  Read A Fair Review from Craig MacDonald to get a real look & feel of the OC Fair!

In addition, a huge arts & crafts building features contests in all sorts of things from photography to cake decorating. Culinary adventures have become of increasing interest in recent years and the standard Mom's Apple Pie has moved over for gourmet cupcakes and other delightful confections.

The fairway includes the latest carnival rides, game booths, and live entertainment, which ranges from local kids' dance groups to more mainstream bands.

In addition the food is the real stand-out at the fair. This is like one jumbo hotdog and coke fest with the latest foods to catch attention. There's always lots of smoky grills to capture your nose and get you to buy. BBQ beef, roasted corn and the monster sausages and dogs are but a few things offered.

Funnel cakes, ice drinks, ice cream, whipped cream toppings, candy, fried, sizzled, grilled, and cooked in oil--these are some ways you'll see food and its preparations. Food accounts for the largest expenditure for most visitors to the fair. They search your backpacks and purses, and they don't allow guests to bring in their own water bottles.

When visiting, be sure to check out Taco Jr., one of our favorite "eats" on Harbor Blvd., if you want to save a little dough on your fair visit. Otherwise, knock yourself out eating and having a fantastic time!