- It was hot like you would not believe. I thought I was close to death when searching for a nachos counter. Pouring sweat. LACF in September is also uncomfortable, but slightly more tolerable.
- You need to wear sunblock. This is true of any day, not just going to the Fair.
- $5 gets you a parking space; $10 gets you into the Fair. This is already cheaper than LACF
- The savings in OC go into alcohol. Ridiculously priced. Maybe it keeps people from getting disorderly? Not a whole lot to choose from anyway. I didn't have a single satisfying beverage alcoholic or non. I bought one beer and ended up throwing some of it away because it got hot before I could finish it. Diet Cokes, water, and lemonade took most of my money. Choose your lemonade carefully--a lot of them were from concentrates and not fresh lemons.
- OCF has noticeably less gang activity than LACF. This is probably because LACF is smack dab in Pomona of all places. I'm not saying we didn't see the beginnings of a scuffle between two groups of people, but if I had to guess, I'm sure no one had shanks this time.
- The layout of the OCF was confusing. Maybe I'm just more used to the LACF map, but even when a little drunk, I find it's easier to navigate. You want a cheesecake on a stick you know where to go, ditto an artichoke, a corndog--I didn't even see these foods at OC.
- The rides are operated by the same company, but it seems there are more rides in OC for the kiddies and the bigger kids.
- In Pomona you can take a breather in the stands of the racetrack--maybe make a few dollars (or lose 'em) on the horses. In OC, you cool off at this year's Al's Brain--I highly recommend this. If you go early enough in the day, there's no wait. It's air conditioned, educational, and hilarious.
- The wine tasting at OC is a little pitiful. It's outdoors and the wines are not notable, there's no food. In Pomona, there are world-class wines/judging, tastings are fun and take place in an air conditioned place. There are seminars for beginners and ample seating in case you want a tray of olives and cheeses. There's even a great area for beer tasting.
- The animals in OC are beautiful but I feel Pomona's got this market cornered being right next to Cal Poly Pomona and being so close to the cattle of Norco and Chino. It's a little more conducive to petting and learning in Pomona--definitely recommended for the kids.
I have a lot of photos to sift through but here's a handful I chose for now...
UPDATE: All photos are now up. (Link to set.)
3 comments:
Hmm! I thought it was less hot in the OC but then again, I had a huuuuge hat on and last year when you and I went I think I forgot my stinking hat.
Wine selections were strange. A few "negociants" kind of people who don't grow their own grapes and are making table wines. Tony had a white wine that tasted like water.
The best part of it all for me was seeing three fresh faced young girls staffing the Democratic party table, and then 10 feet away at the Republican party table, 3 old crones were in charge of things. SO THERE, YOUR PARTY IS LITERALLY GOING TO DIE SOON
Cheese it up!!
Ahh the CA Fair circuit. Such a big part of my past...don't miss it one bit! Here, have a flower. This is the Plumeria, the Hawaiian Lei Flower...Lot's of fun and easy to grow! Ventura is my favorite even though it's the smallest it still has that Country Fair feeling instead of the current trends of out control commercialism. Nice train ride to get there too. LA County is good too but it's in Pomona for God's sake, hot as hell and gangs. Of course I grew up going to the Del Mar Fair and always spending my 4th of July there, so it has a special place. OK, I'm done with fair talk now.
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