2016 San Diego County Fair-Mad About the Fair- Part One: Before it opens!

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is resting up after his short vacation, Ed (from Yuma) is busily writing a post and Cathy has this post ready to go, so here it is.  

Yes, it is that time of the year.  The San Diego County Fair,  (6th most attended in 2014) will open on Friday June 3 at 4 p.m. with its theme "Mad About The Fair"

IMG_6988IMG_7071The front gate and Midway are being set up. IMG_7073The Fair Theme will be explained in the first building to your right when you walk in the main gate.  The theme is a mix of Lewis Carroll classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, fused with influences from steampunk, cosplay, great literature, wacky machinery, and all the fun and magic you have come to expect at the Fair.

IMG_6665 IMG_6662Food booths are being set up. 

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IMG_6649  IMG_6650Home and Hobby has had items brought in, judged and  IMG_7043 IMG_7002set on display.

IMG_9098 IMG_9111I do usually post twice: before the fair and during, but always neglect to post after the Fair ends.  The Fourth of July morning is the event that local 4H clubs wait for all year.  The auctioning of the livestock they have raised is both education for the Club members and a community event. Many of our local restaurants purchase animals at the Fair for processing and use as menu items.

IMG_8860 IMG_8870One place we stopped at last year was the Pan Fried Chicken booth- on the Midway.  The chalkboard special $12 grilled plate was a great find (mushrooms, peppers, asparagus, green beans, peas, zucchini and a slice of pineapple) grilled properly and so tasty, this will be a regular stop for us. 

IMG_8881There are daily contests (some require pre-registration), regular contests (like this pie- eating competition each day at noon), one day contests for adults (admission is free if you are entering one of these) and upstairs in Home and Hobby, daily demonstrations. There are also demonstrations going on in the Woodworking and Gemstone areas, a Farm to Table Dinner, a Spirit  and Cocktail Festival, Wine Festival and Beer Festival (all requiring an additional fee, see the link for information).  Of course, Concerts and other entertainment.  Basically something for everyone and then more.  There even will be a Sunday Teatime event held (additional fee, reservations need to be made).

New foods available are at the bottom of this link (Some of these don't appeal to me at all, but we'll see what I end up trying).

There is still time to purchase a "Best Pass Ever" and some other discounts, like the Costco deal for $65, before the Fair opens.  That will save you some cash (as will utilizing the free parking areas and maybe entering a daily contest). There are also three days (June 3, 4 and 8) when you can get in for only $4, if you purchase your tickets at Albertsons or Vons (along with a $10 regular purchase). There are so many deals and discounts listed on the website, listing here would just be confusing.
It's going to be a great Fair again this year. IMG_6872 IMG_7085

IMG_6989 2016 San Diego County Fair Open Friday June 3 at 4 p.m. until July 4 (The Fair is closed on Mondays, except July 4, and the first two Tuesdays.) Website
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