Let's Go Retro! The 2024 San Diego County Fair-Part One (before it opens)

mmm-yoso!!! is a blog about food.  Cathy is writing the post for today while Kirk is busy with things, elsewhere.

On Sunday, June 2, I dropped by the County Fairgrounds and the front gate was still being set up.  

 Two days ago, the front gate was almost ready to welcome thousands of people daily, beginning tomorrow (June 12) until July 7 (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).

The Theme of the 2024 Fair, is "Let's Go Retro and will be celebrating the music, movies, TV shows, fashion, food, games and fads of the 1950's to the 1990's.
 The Exhibit Hall (to the right when you walk in the main gate) is decorated with "Pac Man" logos and is filled with information of the theme- displays of  items from the past, video games, music and more.
 Last week, there was no Ferris Wheel at the end of the Midway and one specific booth was not yet set up.

 

But that is all taken care of now.

 Similarly, the path toward the Infield, with rides for children, garden and farming education displays has also been made ready for visitors.
 This booth looks interesting; I think the French Toast/ice cream combination sounds yummy.
 Then again, I noticed this on one of Chicken Charlie's booths...
Many of the rides and booths were not not yet set up because they had all been at the Los Angeles County Fair which had its run in May.  That Fair closed on Memorial Day and everyone had to pack up and move to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and set up while waiting for inspections. 

The Fair Website has a link to some of the new foods which will be sold this year.  There will be celebrity judges tasting and judging each of these concoctions on June 14, but knowing that you can choose and plan ahead is a good thing. 

***Notable on the (recently updated) Fair Website is "Taste of the Fair"- on Wednesdays and Thursdays only, all food booths will offer, for $5, a 'sample size' of a certain item they sell. Here is a link!  The last time the Fair offered food samples was $3 Thursdays in 2019.

My second post will feature items The Mister and I find interesting. 

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There will of course be rides, games of skill,  demonstrations, entertainment stages, sales booths, a Speakeasy (Disco themed) and exhibits showcasing skills of local residents.

 Home Made has been judging crafts and setting them up for display.
 The quilts this year are beautiful. 

 The collections are, once again, eclectic.

 There were many entries in the Preserved Foods Division.

The Baked Goods Division had more entries than last year.

Of course, the Theme of the Fair is encouraged for all crafts, collections, and even food entrants!

So much to see and do and enjoy- the start of summer.  

San Diego County Fair Website, open June 12-July 7, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.  Opens daily at 11.  Purchase tickets for the Fair and Parking online (or there is free parking at Canyon CrestAcademy-the other location, Torrey Pines High School, is undergoing some construction; many signs directing you to the new location, about one mile away) with a discount code from Vons/Albertsons.

Comments

[Peter]

Thanks for the preview, Cathy! Looking forward to checking out the Fair in person within the next week or two -- we'll try to beat the rush. Hopefully they'll have that "secret" speakeasy going again this year -- the tiki drinks last year were really good.

[kat]

looking forward to your updates

[Caninecologne]

Excited to go! I love the theme. Thank you always for your "Before it opens" posts. They are great previews for me and my husband.

[Cathy]

"Destination Unknown"-the Speakeasy- is Disco themed this year, Peter. The signature cocktail is "Walking on Sunshine"- Malibu rum, guava nectar, coconut La Croix, pineapple juice and grapefruit liqueur! Enjoy.

I never know if we will 'plan' our food purchases or be spontaneous, kat. Once we get a chance to attend, this Fair should be interesting; it seems to be recovering from the Covid slump, with more participants.

Thanks, cc. There are so many things I could share and it's difficult for me to 'wean down'. I hope that you and Bert have a great time!

[Soo]

Thanks for the fair preview! It's weird seeing the fair with no people. I'm looking forward to trying the chicken pot pie.

[Cathy]

I saw that chicken pot pie and am curious- might try if it's overcast/cool out that day. Seeing the Fairgrounds 'build up' is quite interesting; I like knowing how things work. You're welcome-I do enjoy sharing.

[Elle]

There's free parking at Canyon Crest Academy instead of Torrey Pines HS. Seems like they changed it this year: https://www.sdfair.com/p/plan-your-visit/parking-transportation

[Cathy]

Thanks, Elle; I forgot to change the post once I heard about the parking change. The good part is that the Canyon Crest parking has solar, so everything is covered-when you get back, your car shouldn't be crazy overheated! I hope you did (or will) enjoy the Fair.