You know it’s summer time when the San Diego County Fair comes to town. It kicks off this Friday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with a performance by world famous disco-funk favorite KC and the Sunshine Band. Most county fairs have the same variety of game booths, rides, and fried foods, but this year, in addition to the classics, San Diego has some completely unique and entertaining options.
Fried foods are a staple to all fairs, but this year we have some new comers that you won’t want to miss. Did you know the man who invented the deep-fried Oreos is a staple at the San Diego County Fair? Chicken Charlie has been frying all kinds of food (from Kool Aid to s’mores) for over thirty years. This year he’ll present the deep-friend slim fast meal bar and the deep-fried peanut butter pickle (a hollowed-out pickle filled with peanut butter then fried). Talk about decadent but sure-to-be delicious eating!
If you enjoy TV shows such as, “So You Think You Can Dance,” “America’s Got Talent,” or “America’s Best Dance Crew,” then you won’t want to miss Sunday, June 14th’s dance competition. From 3:00pm to 7:00pm, you can watch in awe, as San Diego’s best dance crews compete for cash prizes. The youth division will perform for the first hour, and teens and adults will complete the final hours. Cheer on your favorite crew as they are judged on their skills, showmanship, creativity, rhythm, and costume.
Tuesday, June 23 and June 30, kids 12 and younger are free. Also, on these days, food vendors will offer smaller portions of their grub for only $2. Perfect for kids with smaller appetites or adults who want to eat more of different types of food. Check out the Kid’s Page for more details. If your children have a larger appetite, look for the “Kid’s Meal Deal” signs around the Fair, these vendors will be offering $5.99 meals that include an entree, side dish, drink, and child’s admission to several local attractions.
Fairs and families go hand-in-hand, and that’s why we’re excited for the specially designated area (in the racetrack infield) dedicated to families and activities that children, as well as adults will enjoy, called, Family Funville (of course). Here are three of the things we are looking forward to in Funville:
New to this year’s County Fair, is Fiesta Village; Latin-themed fun for the whole family. In addition to tasting authentic Mexican food, you can also enjoy musical numbers and choreographed dances, and artisans from Mexico and Central America will be demonstrating how they make their crafts. Bring your camera, so you can Instagram your photo in from of the beautiful 160-foot long mural.
For history buffs, there will be two displays that are right up your alley. The Marine Core Air Station Miramar will be displaying military equipment from World War II, the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, highlighting the significance of these conflicts. The second, is a an authentic 1959 Airstream trailer, complete with camping gear from this era. You’ll get a kick out of what camping looking like more than 50 years ago.
Does your family have a competitive streak? If so, you’ll love the daily family -orientated contests such as the sack race, three-legged race, and horse shoe toss that take place at 3:00 pm. Depending on the day, you can see who will win the hula hoop competition or who can blow the biggest piece of bubble gum. There will also be 3:30 pm contests such as the best animal noise and father/child look-alike contest on the Fiesta Stage. Check out the schedule HERE.
The Fair winds down on July 5th, so that gives you plenty of time to check out all the food and entertainment. Stay for a week at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, and take a few day trips to the County Fair to make sure you hit all the exciting and enjoyable activities. And, like we said, you should come hungry.
