2015 San Diego County Fair (Part 1-before it opens)

mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog.  Food does not necessarily mean a meal.  Cathy is embarking on another 'before the Fair opens' post, because she is here with computer access.  Kirk and Ed (from Yuma) just aren't connected, but they are researching.

The gate opening of the annual San Diego County Fair will be Friday June 5 at 4 p.m., a little bit different than prior years.   The theme of the fair this year is "A Fair To Remember" and it is celebrating traditions and inventions which originated at local and World Fairs, as well as commemorating the centennial of the 1915 Panama-California Exhibition, which was held in Balboa Park. (That's why we have all those cool buildings.)The entrance will resemble some of the buildings from Balboa Park and symbols from other World Fairs.  The Midway is being set up. Exhibits outside the Flower and Garden Show area are being set up. The Exhibition Hall (just to the right of the entrance) is going to be filled with the a retrospective and educational displays of World, State, County and local Fairs. So much of what is now 'common' and everyday began at a Fair.Home and Hobby will have a display from the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park.  Each Fair Exhibit area is sponsored by a different Balboa Park museum. The rest of Home and Hobby is almost set up... 

Preserved Foods, Decorated cakes, breads, candy and cookies have been judged. 

Demonstration areas are set up. The Table Decorating, Collections and various Craft Divisions have been judged and are set on display.
The Public Relations/Publicity Department of the San Diego County Fair has done a great job this year, inviting press to sample some of the newest food offerings.  Many articles have been written emphasizing not only the deep fried Slimfast bar, but also the peanut butter stuffed bacon wrapped pickle, deep fried Starbucks, sweet corn ice cream, and grilled French onion soup.  Here are some links: Here's the official Fair link. This is one Union Tribune story. The Reader wrote an article. Zagat has a good write-up. This morning, there was another story in the Union Tribune.

So, I'm not going to do that in this post.  There are some new food offerings I noticed which weren't as publicized.
Deep fried Gansito...See that whole fried (mojarra) tilapia?  It's like the type you can buy at any Mexican Market steam tray or Mariscos restaurant. (Hint: type in "whole fried fish" or "mojarra" in the top left 'search' box; plenty of posts where we mmm-yoyo writers have enjoyed whole fish...it's not just a Fair Food) 
Fireball infused caramel banana donut...Cherry Pop Rocks donut...

Seven layer S'mores Sundae!

Just some things that caught my eye; I'm sure there are more...


San Diego County Fair Website June 5-July 5, closed all Mondays and the first two Tuesdays.

There are plenty of links on the web page to show where discount admission tickets can be found, where the free parking is located and for those of you who live along the North County Coast, the Combined Coaster/Fair entry ticket is a great way to be transported.  Know that if you are entering a one day contest, your admission is free.

Comments

[Soo H.]

Thanks for the cool preview of the fair! :-)

[caninecologne]

I am so looking forward to the fair, especially the exhibits. I am not too keen on the new fair foods, so I will stick with that awesome cauliflower sandwich we tried last year. As always, love your behind the scenes look at the fair before it starts. Very thorough and you highlight details that some might overlook.

[Cathy]

It's going to be a good one, Soo! This is the first time the County has teamed up with the City to promote and exhibit for this annual event.

Thanks, cc. I think each of us is trying to educate our readers about some aspect of what we eat, cook or do...as do you in your posts.

Sadly, the cauliflower sandwich seems to be gone this year...and I don't really like the sound of its 'replacement'... (adding a photo of the description in small size that you have to click to see).

[Ed (from Yuma)]

Always enjoyable photo preview of the fair. You make it (and the Rose Parade) much more interesting with your "insider" insights. THX

[Cathy]

Thanks, Ed. I've enjoyed knowing 'how things work' my whole life, and it's fun that I can share with a lot of people.

[caninecologne]

Bummer about the cauliflower sandwich. It's back to the artichoke version from Roxy's.

[Cathy]

I bought six of those cauliflower sandwiches last year...and have zero desire to eat Sriracha-Hoisin sauce combined with artichoke-jalapeño spread (artichoke spread by itself would be fine) in one bite.