COSTA MESA, Calif. — The 2015 OC Fair is celebrating it’s history over the past 125 years from its beginnings in 1889. “One Big Party” is this year’s official theme. Outdoor ice skating, Caviar Twinkies, sand sculptures, craft beer, a 5K fun run, a cattle drive and a Krispy Kreme triple-decker burger make up new additions to the fair.
At Fairenheit 32, guests can enjoy ice skating on real ice at the fair. A great way to cool off on these hot summer days in SoCal. Each ice skating session lasts for a hour and costs only $10.
“The skating is really nice, it’s a lot different from last year, said Jane Lee, who was skating with her friend Erick Kim, both from Los Angeles. “I don’t think we had this last year. I actually took lessons when I was a kid. We skated together on one of our first dates and this is our second time skating together.”
You can go from 90 degrees outside to 0 degrees inside in a matter of seconds when you step inside the new ice museum. It was a big hit for fair goers. The most popular ice sculpture is of a dragon on the way out. Of course, it’s free with fair admission.
“I’ve seen a lot of ice sculptures on cruise ships and stuff, but those were some of the most impressive ice sculptures I’ve ever seen,” said Charles Boyd, a visitor from Long Beach. “I’m pretty sure all of the sweat on my body just instantly froze. In Finland, once I went into an ice bar where everything is ice. But they give you like a parka and pants so you can stay in there longer.”
His friend, Sarah Bang, added: “We said we were going to stay in there as long as we could, but it ended up being only like 120 seconds. It was pretty shocking. I’ve been to Alaska, but we were dressed for it. Going to the OC Fair, you wear t-shirts and have no idea you’re going to find an exhibit like this.”
For the foodies out there wanting to try something new, how about Caviar Twinkies– they’ll only set you back $125. Also, deep fried pizza and birthday cakes are being introduced for the first time ever at the fair. And straight from the San Diego County Fair is a ball of deep-fried Starbucks. That’s coffee grounds, dough, sugar and whipped cream.
Then, I met up with a guy who was in the middle of eating a jumbo Mexican funnel cake. He only has 11 minutes, but if he finishes it, it’s free!
“It’s terrific,” the brave fair goer admitted. Are you going to be able to finish it? “I’ll try to!” he exclaimed.
The fair also has traditional favorites like a petting zoo. Truffles the pig gave birth to several piglets that were born just a few days ago. In addition, The Centennial Farm located nearby shows all of the fruits and vegetables one can grow in Southern California.
Prizes for the kids seem to be getting bigger and bigger every year. Teddy bears that little ones could hold in one hand now require two. Some of the prizes are so huge that they must be placed on a stroller.
“The smaller ones are getting bigger,” said Adam Benjamin, an attendee from Long Beach. “Less smaller ones than usual. I was hoping there would be more water slides or rides or games.”
As you can see there’s something for everyone to do and try at the 125th OC Fair. It runs from now until Sunday, August 16. The fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Single-day tickets are $12 for guests aged 13-59, $7 for seniors (60+) and youth (6-12). Children 5 and younger are free. The OC Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626.
For tickets and daily schedules visit the OC Fair’s official website at: www.ocfair.com.
