Eight great things to love about the Fair

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It’s easy to fall in love with the San Diego County Fair. And there are more than eight reasons to be extremely fond of the big, bustling event that attracts thousands of locals and visitors.

So add your favorites to Reader Comments and everyone can get in on the fun. Check back with SDNN often for complete coverage from the Fair, which runs from June 12 through July 5.

Love those rides: The Fair will move you, literally. You can choose everything from the Crazy Mouse and Carousel to the Bungee and Sling Shot, though those with queasy stomachs might want to skip the daredevil thrills. My favorite is the Skyride, the overhead tram that glides back and forth between the infield and the area near Bing Crosby Hall. Take it at twilight, if you can. That time of day, the Fair often has a lovely, magical glow. And as you ride above the crowd with your legs dangling, you almost feel as if you’re in a movie.

Love that food: The temptations are nearly everywhere so you may find yourself taking a break from dieting. There’s no need to confine yourself to such delectable staples as Texas-style brisket sandwiches and funnel cakes. Continuing the Fair’s proud tradition of zany foods, this year’s new offerings include chocolate covered bacon strips, “Zucchini Weeni” (a hot dog inside a zucchini, deep-fried in batter) and would you believe deep-fried Mexican ice cream?

Related links: SDNN’s A&E page | San Diego County Fair 2009 Guide | Coal miner’s daughter hits the San Diego County Fair | ‘Idol’ chat: Q&A with Season 7 champ David Cook

Love that theme: “Music Mania.” How maniacal will it be? You’ll find out at the Music Mania Theme Exhibit, located just west of the O’Brien Gate (the main entrance). You can try playing an instrument, recording your own song, or participating in the “Jeopardy”-style Music Game Show. If you’re an ambitious gamer, enter the Fair’s “Guitar Hero, the Band” contest. The finals are July 3. So rock on.

Love that entertainment: Prepare for concerts galore. Loretta Lynne, Smokey Robinson, Switchfoot and Kelly Clarkson are all part of the lineup. Check out the roster.

Love that shopping: It’s enough to bring out your inner shop-aholic. You may find yourself craving things you never even knew you wanted: Odd gadgets, Hawaiian-style shirts, a carved wooden placque with your family name on it, plants you have no idea how to grow. I know. It happened to me.

More things to love about the Fair. (Courtesy photo)

Love those family activities: The Fair is made for families. There’s enough to keep everyone busy for many hours. If you have young children, you’ll find your home-away-from-home at Kiddieland, with its 41 rides. Check out the bargains to save some dough. My kids started going to the Fair when they were still in strollers. Now they’re teenagers and they’re still up for it. The big attractions are the food and the Fun Zone, which has 40 rides.

Love those animals: The Fair is an animal extravaganza. It includes a Baby Chick Hatchery, Barnyard Babies Petting Farm, Swifty Swine Races, horse shows and much more. Specific animals, from pigeons to pygmy goats, are showcased on specific days. During “Sheep to Shawl” (June 21), participants will demonstrate the process of turning sheep’s wool into clothing. And if you need a calming break from the Fair’s excitement, head to the cattle barn. It’s a haven of bovine peacefulness.

Love that location: The San Diego County Fair is so rooted in its scenic coastal locale at the Del Mar Fairgrounds that it’s all but inconceivable to imagine it anywhere else. Sure, other places have fairs. But none is quite like this one. So what’s the ultimate reason to love the San Diego County Fair? It’s ours.

Valerie Scher is the SDNN Arts & Entertainment editor. You can reach her at valerie.scher(at)sdnn.com

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This entry was posted on Thursday, June 11th, 2009 at 3:32 pm and is filed under 8 great, Arts & Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.