The 2013 San Diego County Fair: Part One (before it opens)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Sometimes we aren't writing about specific foods.  This is one of those times. (Cathy is writing today's post).

Here is a link to Part Two

The 2013 San Diego County Fair opens on Saturday (June 8). I happened to be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds two weeks ago and again this week and have noted the progression of construction and installation preparing the Fairgrounds to host the largest County Fair in California and the fourth largest County Fair in the USA.

The statue of Don Diego was 'normal' and the front gate was being constructed...

The entrance is an ode to the theme of "Game's On", the theme of the Fair.  You can see Don Diego is dressed as a video game character, Super Mario.

On my initial visit, the Midway was barely set... the Ferris Wheel wasn't even up.

This week, the Souvenier Booths to the right were more sturdily decorated and were being filled with inventory. The Ferris Wheel was still a skeleton, and only 3/4 of that skeleton was constructed.

In the Home and Hobby section two weeks ago, entries of Preserved Foods were waiting to be judged...

as were crafts

 

and quilts.

Home and Hobby entries have been judged and are set on display.

As have the collections, coins, spinning and weaving, crocheting, models and miniatures and the 20 or so other categories of competition in the 2013 Fair.
However, I've digressed...most people don't realize the purpose of the County Fair- a place for farmers to gather and show, display and compete the (literal) fruits of their labor after the harvest.

Instead, most of us come here for the food. Two weeks ago, some booths were being dropped off.

Chicken Charlie's is at the San Diego County Fair first (when the Fair ends, it moves North to other California County Fairs) and was able to be set up two weeks ago.

The rest of the booths have filled in the empty spaces surrounding Chicken Charlie's.

 

(You can click onto any of the thumbnails to enlarge a photo.)

So much work is left to be done before the 10 a.m. opening Saturday morning. Make your plans now. It's going to be a good one!

The San Diego County Fair June 8-July 4. Closed Mondays June 10, 17 and 24.  Click here to see new food and drink offered this year. Website

Comments

[Faye]

I've been waiting for this post :) I was just googling the food finds for this years fair so I'm totally itching to see what will be offered this year. And I can't believe our fair is the largest in CA?!! ... I still call it the Del Mar Fair :(

[caninecologne]

Don Diego is dressed as "Mario" from the Mario Brothers. Great post Cathy! I always enjoy the "behind the scenes" pix. Am looking forward to the fair this year, which I also still refer to as the Del Mar Fair. My daughter always likes looking at the horses. Besides the food, I love looking at the "collections" in the craft/hobby area as well as the flowers.

[Cathy]

There's a link specifically to the New Fair Foods at the bottom of the post, Faye. It was easier than trying to describe them without tasting..which I may not do, after reading some descriptions. San Diego County itself is the 7the largest County in the USA, has the most farms per capita and it makes sense we'd have a large attendance. I suppose the name change reflects that fact.
I need to change the post, cc. I did want to write in 'Mario' but was afraid I was wrong. The farm animals as well as the Preserved Foods are really the reason we have Fairs...The floral displays as well as gadgets I never knew I needed are always fun to peruse..

[Soo]

Thanks for the preview! I'm looking forward to eating the great food.

[Cathy]

There are a few 'healthier' choices at almost every booth and even an "Albertson's Healthy Eating" booth, Soo. You know, after you've tried something new and crazy...