The Orange County California Fair is one of the finest Fair’s in my opinion in the United States. Considering the climate, security, food, entertainment and exhibits, it’s pretty hard to beat!
The 2013 OC Fair theme was “Come & Get It”. The Fair ran from July 12 – August 11 and brings 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday.
This year, I got a chance to interview some of the food vendors on their history and how they came up with their recipes.
FAIR FOOD FAVORITES:
Met Chuck Nugent, Manager of the CHUCKWAGON, who’s been at the Fair for 38 years. Nice guy!He gave me a sample of their famous ‘brisket of beef’ with coleslaw.
This was so delicious, smoked to perfection and mouth watering!Visit them for some awesome BBQ !!!
Fish and Chips
Steve Crutchfield, owner and neat guy, started at the OC Fair in 1968. It is a family owned business. His sister owns, ‘Terries Berries’ at the Fair, which has been equally successful for all of these years!
It was a real pleasure to meet a Californian who takes such pride in this small family business and keeps it going for the thousands who come to the Fair ! Thanks Steve!
I sampled the ‘fish and chips, fried zucchini and the sweet potato fries’. So good!!! As you can see
from this picture, he gives a lot of food. The ‘fish and chips’ are $12.00, Clam chowder in a bowl is $9.00.
As Steve said, he’s always kept his prices lower than most at the Fair! Stop by to see him next time the Fair is in town!! I loved it and will be back !
Pepe’s Mariscos
I kept walking to see who I might find interesting to review. I came upon this Mexican food place, called, ‘Pepe’s Mariscos.To say the least, I was more than pleasantly surprised!! By the way, they won the 2013 Concessionaire Cup – Outstanding Fair Food. All of their red and green sauces are homemade.
I tried the ‘Chicken quesadilla’. Usually when I get a quesadilla, it’s thin or there’s practically nothing inside of it. But, not this quesadilla. Look at this picture! You could easily have 3 people share this and it was stuffed with chicken and goodies.They travel around to other Fairs in California a few months out of the year. You can find them on facebook at: www.facebook.com/pepesmariscos .Come next year to the OC Fair and visit Pepe’s Mariscos. You will not be disappointed!!!
Pignottis’ Italian
Pignotti’s is located close to one of the Exhibit Halls. Once again, this is another family owned business. The daughter and husband of the original owner are running this small family business. However, that day, I got to meet the original owner’s wife, who happened to be there. What a lovely lady. You could tell the pride the family has in this operation. They have been at the Fair for 38 years!!!
This was a newer menu item. It’s a spaghetti and meatball sandwich. It was phenomenal!! I really wanted more than one, but had to watch the figure!
They have some of the best Italian food at the Fair. Their italian salad dressing is homemade along with many other items.Please visit them next time you’re at the OC Fair!!
‘Sonsee’
I came across this Sherriff on the way out of the Fair, and had to know about his bloodhound, Sonsee. I love this dog!!! He has been at the Fair for 10 years. He helps find missing people (children, adults, etc.) by smelling the scent of the person he’s tracking, finds cell phones, you name it!! Thank you Sonsee for ALL you do!!! We love you!
Entertainment
Peking Acrobats
Even though I didn’t review the Peking acrobats, (only for lack of time), I caught a picture of this guy 
climbing up over 7 chairs that he put on top of each other until he reached the top!
This team of acrobatics are so phenomenal, that this is a HUGE attraction every year at the Fair! They are so entertaining. You’d think you were in Las Vegas watching a $200/person show!!
If you haven’t seen them, don’t miss them next year!
Action Sports Arena – Bull riding
My photographer and I had never covered a bull riding event, but I must admit this was thrilling and exciting to see these brave bull riders embrace such awesome raging bulls!!!
While watching, we witnessed where the riders barely stayed on the bulls without getting thrown off in minutes of getting on the bull! This is a much tougher occupation than meets the eye!
There was a parachuter who entered the arena before the event took place carrying the American flag. So patriotic!!!
The Hangar – JOURNEY UNAUTHORIZED
Every year at the OC Fair, there are Tribute bands who perform at the ‘Hangar’ located on the fairgrounds. You need to purchase tickets, that are very reasonable in cost. Each night you can see a different band.
The’Hangar’ itself has some interesting history. During the war time, it was home to the Santa Ana Army Air base. The Fair moved to different cities and then came back to Costa Mesa in 1949 to make it, its official home.
This year, I reviewed, ‘Journey Unauthorized’. I’m a huge Steve Perry fan. Every tribute band I’ve seen, never compares in my estimation to the ‘one and only’, Steve Perry.
I’m now a believer in this band, ‘Journey Unauthorized’!! The lead vocalist, Perry Stevens, had the look, the moves and he captured the entire essence of the Journey vocal sound!
For next year, visit the OC Fair website at www.ocfair.com for a listing of Events to include the Pacific Amphitheatre concerts as well.
