mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today; Kirk is taking a break.
It's that time of year again: The San Diego County Fair opens today-Wednesday, June 11. Here's a little 'behind the scenes' peek.
The theme, Summer Pet-Tacular , is indeed centered around pets of all types, but do not be mistaken into thinking you can actually bring your own pet to the Fairgrounds-only certified Service Animals are allowed. There will be pet themed exhibits and the San Diego Humane Society will have some on-site adoptions.
The Fun Zone is set up with rides, as always.
The 'usual' County Fair food booths are available.
There are handouts with maps of the Fairgrounds on one side and food places on the other side at the Information Booths. I also found these large maps.
There are a few special deals if you are wanting to buy food at the Fair.
There will also be half price (on Fridays from 11-4) of eight items (to be announced tonight) of new treats being offered this year. I'm sure there will be some notification on Fridays when you walk in. Look for signs.
BUT…there are some new booths and/or offerings I have noticed. A lot are not what I would consider to be "County Fair" food, but still, they are going to be here in San Diego.
Yes, Chicken Charlie has a new, Funnel Cakes Only booth and there it is-pickles and cream (I would think cream cheese) with bacon on top of a funnel cake (I would think plain fried dough, not sugar topped dough. But, it sounds interesting.
Yes, some not really 'Fair' foods, yet interesting choices are available. I will be going and have some of my personal favorites to share with you, maybe next week. Until then, you can go and try what you enjoy.
Of course, Home and Hobby has been judged and set up.
The array of collections is vast and interesting. People who entered took the time to explain their hobby on most of the displays.
There were fewer entries in the Preserved Foods Division and pickled onions won the Best of Show.
So many things to do and see. The fifth largest County Fair in the USA is a tradition and inspiration for all.
San Diego County Fair website. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Opens at 11 a.m. the other days. June 11-July 6
Thanks Cathy. I always love the fair previews you do
Welcome back, Cathy! Your Fair previews are great! Can’t wait to find the “secret” speakeasy this year! I guess the experiment with plant-based food at the Fair was a bust — corndog sushi?!? Wow.
Thanks for the preview! Look forward to trying the awesome food.
hope everyone has a nice time!
Thanks for the fair preview, as always there’s a nice mix of interesting, delicious and crimes against the soul of humanity to investigate 🙂
My pleasure, Franklin. Trying to make the blog a little more interesting and this time it happened without really trying.
Thanks, Peter. There is another ‘speakeasy’ and it’s in the same place, so not really a secret, but the passwords are still secret. No booths totally vegan, but this link is to booths that say they have vegetarian options: https://www.sdfair.com/businesses/food-drink/vegetarian-option
The Indian Fry Bread is at the Breads of the World booth, just to the right of the Fair theme building at the entrance, Soo. I know you will be looking for it. Enjoy your visit!
Thank you so much, kat.
Whatever do you mean, Loren? I didn’t have to do much to get photos for this post. Most shall remain only mental images.
Thanks for the info on the Indian Fry Bread! I was thinking I’d start there and get some fried lobster tails when I got hungry again.
Cathy- I’ve been reading this blog for many years (“long time lurker?”) and every year I see the fair starting to set up, I think about you and this blog! Happy to see you’re still writing this up.
I didn’t see the Lobster Booth, Soo. So much has changed this year (new management). But the Fry Bread is definitely there; can’t get it unless you go to a Pow Wow on a Reservation later in Autumn. In any case, there is so much to try.
Welcome to ‘the other side’ of the blog, KZ! The Fair is such a tradition and food-related (the purpose of a County Fair is for farmers to show off their annual accomplishments) (but the vendors have jobs, too). I enjoy sharing some of the ‘secret’ finds.
Can’t wait to hit up the fair. Love the preview
Thanks for all the fair info! I wrote about my visit:
https://www.hungryones.com/2025/06/fair/