Get Out There! 2023 San Diego County Fair (Part 2; it’s happening now)

Thank you for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, this food blog.  Cathy is writing the post at the start of July.  

Link to Part one: Before the Fair opens

The San Diego County Fair has been in full swing since June 7 and will end with a spectacular fireworks display on July 4.  There is still time to "Get Out There" and see what the 2023 theme has in store for you.  Not all of the activities are here, just a few highlights, and, of course some of the unique Fair foods.

IMG_9399 When you park for free at Torrey Pines High School, the transportation might take you around the back side of the Fairgrounds and you can see the rides from a different viewpoint as well as where the workers live during the Fair.  It's been "June Gloom" weather for most of the mornings near the coast.
IMG_4155IMG_4155IMG_4155IMG_4155 The Paul Ecke, Jr. Garden Show has many displays decorated with the theme.
IMG_0128IMG_0128 The Theme Exhibit Hall (to the right when you walk in the main entrance) is very informative regarding San Diego County and our parks and recreation areas.
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IMG_9437 IMG_9439 This year, we were going to try to order more unique food choices and mostly succeeded.  Can't get Indian Fry Bread anywhere in the County.  This garlic butter parmesan bread was warm/fresh made and so satisfying.

IMG_0208IMG_0208IMG_0208 The Gems and Minerals exhibit is beautiful and informative.

IMG_9445 IMG_9467 We did want something fried, yet protein/sort of healthy and so Calamari and fries was our choice.
IMG_4152IMG_9468 To make that meal a bit healthier, I walked across the way and ordered this (really great) peanut infused slaw to accompany. 

IMG_0186IMG_0186IMG_4248 Design in Wood always has beautiful entries.
IMG_0151IMG_0154IMG_0157 On another visit, our quest for 'semi healthy/fried protein' had us ordering this 'Fair Special' from Chicken Charlie's (onion rings, fried zucchini and chicken strips) along with a delightful strawberry lemonade from Stuffie's, just across the way. 
IMG_0164IMG_0164IMG_0164 The Fine Art entries are always mesmerizing.

IMG_9480 IMG_9491 We found a few new booths (since both the Cream Puffs and the Gingerbread House were gone).  This was a blueberry pie in a cone from In Your Face Pies.  The blueberry filling was warm and this was a good size portion. 
IMG_0144IMG_0144IMG_0144 There was a spinning demonstration in the California Grown barn along with instructive animal exhibits.
IMG_0171IMG_4219 We've seen photos of Hawaiian Honey Cones on various places online and wanted to try.  The cones are produced in Hawaii of organic corn cane (not sugar cane).   The cone tastes like … and has the texture of … think Cheetoes without the cheese with a definite hint of honey.  The ice cream filling is a vanilla Hokkaido style, made with milk from Hokkaido.  Unique and very good; smooth, creamy, a distinct milk flavor with subtle vanilla. This was fun and quality and what we expect of Fair foods.

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IMG_4224IMG_8990IMG_8990 The Home ArtsHome and Hobby, Home Made section of the Fair had such great entries this year.  
IMG_0258 We had to get a cherry lime Icee.  The flavors remind us of when we were dating and used to share a cherry-lime rickey at Drakes.
IMG_4220 The sights and sounds are everywhere!

I hope you can get to the San Diego County Fair and enjoy the start of summer!  Purchase tickets and parking online before you go.  Cash and cards can be used inside the Fairgrounds. Website

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