The 136th annual Orange County Fair opens Friday and runs through mid-August, offering more tickets this year while holding the line on prices, the fair’s chief executive said.
“A lot of work has gone into making the fair more approachable for folks and we held our pricing to last year’s numbers,” OC Fair CEO James Canfield said in an interview with CNS.
“We increased the cap (on attendance) to get more folks in, and then we built a number of packages this year,” to keep ticket prices affordable, he added.
Among the new offerings is a $5 Taste of Fair menu featuring sample-sized portions of popular foods from participating vendors.
“Generally, it’s a smaller portion of whatever the items are,” he said.
Another new perk for families is a children’s menu, Canfield said.
“One of the things we learned last year at the fair is … folks were having trouble finding what to feed the kids,” Canfield said. “The kids want lunch, but they can’t eat a four-pound corn dog, so one of the things we did this year was set up four — what we’re calling kids places — where you can get a $10 kids meal that is an entree, chips, French fries and a drink for $10.”
Some new goodies this year include “gooey maple butter popcorn,” Canfield said, adding he was also looking forward to the Deep-Fried Tiramisu, which will be offered by Chicken Charlie’s as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The carnival midway will feature about 70 rides, including a new attraction called Air Raid, described by Canfield as an “intense multidimensional spinning experience.”
But for those with weaker stomachs, there’s the Ferris wheel and a “nice variety of calm rides” along with the roller coasters, Canfield said.
Advance ticket prices remain unchanged from last year, he said.
There’s an “everyday passport” for $60 that gets you in every day of the fair as it runs Wednesdays through Sundays until Aug. 16, Canfield said.
Families might like the package of four tickets and two carnival ride wristbands for $150, Canfield said.
Visitors arriving between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays can enter for $11, he said.
“It’s all about making sure we’re able to accommodate the broadest group of people and really make the fair accessible,” Canfield said.
The fair’s theme this year is “Your Adventure Awaits,” while exhibits and decorations will also recognize the nation’s 250th anniversary with red, white and blue displays.
Opening day festivities will include a flyover, and fairgoers this weekend will be able to watch World Cup soccer matches broadcast on screens throughout the fairgrounds
“We’ve actually got permission and rights to broadcast the consolation game on Saturday at 2 p.m. and the Sunday championship game at noon that will be on screens throughout the grounds,” Canfield said. “People will be able to enjoy the World Cup and fair at the same time.”
Returning attractions include an exhibit of original movie posters and an arcade featuring video games from the 1980s, along with a Hitchcock-themed speakeasy bar, Canfield said.
Dance lessons will be offered and a live band will provide music for karaoke singers, Canfield said.
“I’m not much into the dancing, but you’ll see me doing the karaoke because that’s my thing,” Canfield said.
The fair has also this year expanded its competitions and exhibitions of art, he said. The fair has doubled its capacity for the popular table decorating contest.
“We’ve also added a home brew beer competition — not for micro breweries, but actually for people who make it at their home,” he said.
One of the fair’s four sows just delivered a litter of piglets and, “We’re thinking we may get one more litter delivered during the fair,” Canfield said.
The popular pig races will be easier to see with more seating and TV screens just outside for those passing by, Canfield said.
Live music fans will also enjoy more shows with the number of concerts at the Pacific Amphitheater growing from last year’s 27 to this year’s 35 acts, he said. Country star Willie Nelson kicked off the concerts on Sunday.
Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens said he is looking forward to seeing country star Chris Young on Saturday.
“What I like to do is go to the fair and go to the Hangar and watch the tribute bands,” Stephens said. “And then go and have something to eat, hang out with friends, eat a bunch of ice cream. It’s a great place to reconnect with people.”
A recent study showed the county fair generates more than $330 million in local economic impact with jobs, spending and sales taxes at the fair and surrounding businesses, Canfield said.