If you are looking for something cool to do, and the beach is just too crowded, check out the Orange County Fair. Something is different this year about the OC fair though. Like 2021, capacity is limited. You need to buy tickets online and in advance.
Taking a note from Disneyland, the OC fear tells us they are limiting tickets saying “In order to ensure we are adequately staffed and stocked, and that our guests have plenty of elbow room, we are using the same limited ticket/capacity model that we used for the 2021 OC Fair.”
The Pandemic Effect and Shopping
The downside of the pandemic is still very apparent at the Orange County Fair. Several areas are closed off still, and the world famous pig races are now show center. Because of the smaller crowds and slightly reduced vendor participation, the OC fair has a nicer small town feel. Overall the pandemic hasn’t taken away the fun.
One of my own friends has had a wood sign shop at the OC fair as long as I can remember. His business made it through the pandemic and he was just one of many vendors who were happy to be back. Stop by the sign carvers and say hello to Del and grab a cool sign for your yard or a give for a friend. I know shameless plug for my friend.
Opening Day
Heading to the OC fair on opening day gets the best views of the cut flowers and vegetables that will wilt over time. If you are a flower fan be sure to get tickets early.
One of the biggest surprises was the quality of the art competitions. Instead of seeing fewer low quality works, the art pavilion had some of the coolest photos and wood art we have seen in a long time. If you are a canoe fan, you are going to love the hand made multi layered wood canoe on display.
Huntington Beach Artist Council member and our own Beach Street News Photographer Kelly Bourquin made it into the fair with her photo entitled “Barren”. I’ll bet no one can guess where the photo was taken. I will say it was taken last year as required by the fair rules to give you a hint.
The Farm
One of the coolest attractions for the kids tat the Orange County Fair isn’t the rides. Just look at the smiles on little children when they see the baby pigs and goats. Even though the number of animals isn’t quite back to normal, the wonder of farm animals hasn’t changed. Just days before the fair the first piglets were born. They were just five days old on opening day. Another Sow is just days from giving birth to her band of piglets.
The baby goats were among my favorites. Several of them are like happy dogs wagging their tails and leaning in to be petted and scratched. One little goat gives kisses. The funniest animals were the llamas that are shaved like giant toy poodles.
If you can get tickets, get to the fair for a great day of food, fun and farm animals.