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San Diego County Fair
Rating Details »
Category: Arts & Entertainment
Neighborhood: Del MarDel Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 755-1161
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
109 reviews for San Diego County Fair
I think everyone needs a trip to the fair at least once a year or so. One day to let it all hang out (*ick), not be judged (out loud anyway), to eat whatever the hell you want (and believe no one is watching), have grease seaping from your pores (for some people it's just more than normal), waste money on tons of useless overpriced garbage (what I refer to as useless shitty knickknacks) and interact with carnies (whom you'd normally avoid at all costs especially while alone in a dark alley).
You ALWAYS end up spending more money than you intend to, because everything costs something and that something is ALWAYS grossly overpriced. Anything you imagine can and is fried, and I'd say the average person easily consumes upwards of 3,000 calories or more in one meal.
The rides too are a rip off, but what do you expect? A carnie's gotta make a living somehow and they can't rely on their brainpower!! A trip on the ferris wheel is a must.
It's a good thing that the fair doesn't last the entire year or even the summer for that matter, or Del Mar just might take Arlington, Texas' title as being the unhealthiest city in the U.S.
********A YOUNG BOY FALLS ASLEEP ON A SUMMER NIGHT********
Later in the night, the young boy dreams about a fair, in the fair, it has rides, a large crowd, game booths and also churros; corn dogs; and yes; oh yes; funnel cakes!
He imagines himself having fun at the fair, he rides the rides, plays the games, and on the way, had himself a funnel cake.
**************************HE THEN WAKES UP**************************
He thinks to himself "I wish I was there, at the fair."
He then goes to the kitchen, and while eating breakfast his mother asks,
"Want to go to the fair today?"
He then proceeds to say "Yes, I do!"
So the mother and boy go.......
*******THEY THEN ARRIVE AT THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR*******
While at the fair, they ride rides, such as the super slide, the ferris wheel, and also "The Fighter" He also has fun playing the great game booths at the fair, and wins a lot of prizes. Not only that, but he also chowed down on a funnel cake
That's what he got from the fair....
But wait, there's more! Not only did he ride rides and played games, he also went to the convention buidings to look at the amazing, new inventions that the vendors were selling AND he also spent time at the farm side of the fair, which was filled with animals that aren't included in the hustle and bustle of San Diego city life.
That's what he got from the fair....
Yet, hold on, there's even more! Not only did he eat a funnel cake, he also ate deep fried oreos, fried zucchini, and a lot of other fried concoctions. Oh yeah, and he also bought some good ol' salt water taffy, which he took home.
That's what he got from the fair....
Oh, but dont forget the views of the ocean and the large mirror mazes.
That's what he got from the fair....
*************THEY THEN ARRIVE BACK AT THEIR HOUSE*************
His father asks "How was your guys' day at the fair?"
The son replies "IT WAS AWESOME!"
and then the father replies, "Im glad you had fun."
******HE THEN GOES TO BED WITH A BIG SMILE ON HIS FACE******
And that's what he got from the fair....
********************************THE END********************************
I love all fairs, especially the SD County Fair. It was my first time there, and I would go back.
There were plenty of fried foods, entertainment, performances, and games. What more can I ask for?
Mmmm county fair. This was my first year going and I had a great time. Yes the parking sucks (though we lucked out getting there a bit late and were parked right by the front entrance), yes everything is overpriced, but it all balances out in the end. Quite the slice of americana.
I'm very skeptical of portable rides so I only went on 1 (2 if the ski lift thing counts), but I went on that mullholland madness type thing, it was fun in a terrifying way. It just scares me that you can fold up the ride and drive it down the freeway.
Games were spiffy, again, overpriced, but fun. My co-adventurer won a penguin for me. :) They also had those cheesy photo booths like you find in some malls. It was corny and cute all at the same time. :p
Foooooods! We ate deep fried everything. Fried artichoke hearts on a skewer, fried white castle cheeseburger, fried twinkie, french fries etc etc. Basically anything you can think up to put in a deep fryer, they did. They were out of the fried avacados when I got there tho, so sad. How did i miss the chocolate covered bacon though?! We ended the night with icecream, I got a handmade vanilla icecream bar that I watched them dip in chocolate then roll in nuts. was delicious. :)
The vendors were pretty nifty too, we walked through all of the buildings full of them (except the flower area). They had off-brand sham-wows, knife sets, flipflops (prolly made a killing on people who didnt wear the right shoes), crafts, and little gadgets. I got myself a wooden penguin bank. :)
Overall it was fun, it was great walking around and taking in everything. The smells of popcorn and fried food tingle your nose, but sniff too hard and all you smell is trash and dirty people. Ah the bittersweetness of a local fair.
yayayayay my first time at Del Mar Fair (SD County Fair)
Thanks to the Rugster (who SD Yelpers will miss dearly when he embarks on his new journey as SF CM) several of us got into the fair for Free. Yea, no kidding.
So, instead of parking outside of the fairgrounds, we paid $10 for parking and took the Disneyland like tram to the fair entrance.
Being that it was my first time I was way eggcited. So anyways, after indulging ourselves in some fried zucchini weenies, fried oreos, fried twinkies (gah, too sweet) it was time to explore.
OMG expensive much? We paid $30 for ride tickets and went on 3 rides. Crazymouse was fun, minus the fact that if i didn't hold on I probably would have been thrown off of the ride. "I hate spinning!" Also the giant slide was fun, especially since I was a little hesitant at first. i scream like a girl. And I really wanted to go on the Ferris Wheel, which was alright.
After that a little more walking, exploring, by then it was closing time. Made our way back to the Disneyland-like tram and that was that.
Was it what I expected? More or less. I was with good peeps so it was fun. :)
Whatever preconceptions I had about this and all county fairs were quickly drowned out in a cacophony of sights, sounds, and tastes the moment we entered the grounds.
I felt like young George McFly as he was startled awake to his brain being "melted" by the Vulcan space alien (actually Marty in a radioactive suit blasting Eddie Van Halen through his walkman, but I digress.)
You're gonna spend lots of $. Plan on it and you won't sweat the fact that, for example, a ride costs about $4 per minute of thrill.
HITS:
- BBQ Turkey legs
- deep fried oreo (just one)
- petting zoo (featuring "chickens as far as the eye can see"), also it's free
- Actual CARNIES
- open late, till 11 (fewer kids after dark)
- Ferris wheel
MISSES:
- Incredibly short rides (about 1 minute)
- deep fried oreos (2 or more)
- the "As seen on TV" pavilion, where all your infomercial fantasies are under 1 roof!
- No one actually said "Step right up!" during my visit
I remember when it was the Del Mar Fair. Times change. Over the years, there's a few things that I do to make my time at the fair more enjoyable.
I try to go at night when it's far cooler. I try to go during the week when there's less of a crowd. I try to go as early as possible during the month it's around to avoid the crowds since attendance increases towards the 4th of July. Further, make use of coupons to gain free or reduced admission fees because you really don't need to pay more than needed. It's easy to drop coin on all the rides, exhibit wares, and food. Coupons are found every where! And, I try to plan my visit when there's a concert to maximize my trip. Don't forget to ignore the carnies.
Following these points as closely as possible, I usually end up going 2-3 times a year. I'm so glad the fair is only once a year because really, while I do have a great time, I can only handle so much of the petri dish of collective fun and sun and gluttony.
Standard food fare (hot dogs, cotton candy, BBQ, giant turkey, bloomin' onion) aside, I did like the zucchini weenie (a hot dog inside a zucchini and battered and deep fried like a corn dog) but I could do without the fried twinkie and fried oreo.
If the fair was any longer than the month or so, I think it pretty much reduces itself to a glorified trip to Boomers. HA!
three words for ya -
MuthaFu**en - Pig - Races.
I am a fan of the fair. A big fan.
Yes...it's expensive, fatty, crowded, and hot...but I can't help it! I love it!
I love the animal smell in the air, the constantly full stomach (but yet I keep shoveling more in), the sham-wows and vegetable chopping gadgets, all the oooo and ahhhhs, and the layer of dust you are covered in when you leave.
Some tips - IF you can (they used to do this at ikea but this year they did it at costco and it was all sold out! damn you costco and your popularity) get the family pack - its like four tickets, parking, four soda coupons (with purchase), and some ride tickets for about 50 bucks. If not, go to albertsons for discount tickets and park off site and shuttle in for free.
Foods worth a try: CORN, mini donuts (located inside where all the sham-wow stands are), zucchini weenie, and deep fried oreos. I've had almost everything else and those are my favorites.
I just came back from my second trip to the fair for this season.
The highlights:
Nice evening with the spouse
The Sham wow!
Garlic fried artichoke hearts
BBQ Artichokes and Corn
The woodworking exhibit (with the sign "we heart wood")
Shuttle drivers from Torrey Pines HS- They were so nice, one even thanked the passengers because since they were going to the fair, she had a job.
Gems and Minerals
No Duh ( No doubt tribute band wearing banana costumes)
Joey F******G Harris playing with Vernon's burned chicken (Yes, it is a band not some weird person playing with his fair food)
Beer gardens, yes!
Low lights:
Deep fried white castles...really? Yuck
I didn't win a 5 foot long stuffed banana :(
Lots of toddler's there after 11:30 PM and some had phlegmy wet sounding coughs- HELLO parents, sick kids belong at home in bed at 11:30 pm. Swine flu anyone?
Overall a solid 4 stars and we got a ticket on the way out to come back to the fair on Monday for a dollar. SCORE!
I am a lover of the FAIR. I go every year.. it's tradition. I am a promoter of the FAIR. If you don't go to the FAIR I frown upon you.
Nothing beats getting into the FAIR for a buck! One of my friends went a week before our group was going and printed us all $1 admission tickets! (*Shout out to Sang aka Alex.. hahha) Apparently you can now print more than one ticket at those kiosks by the entrance!
The afternoon of the FAIR - After paying $1 for our admission ticket, we walk what seems like forever, going through a maze where we finally end up at the entrance. Note: You cannot bring any open drinks, so either chugg it at security, or hold off opening it until you get past the entrance.
We get inside.. and our mission begins. What to eat first? I hear my friends saying, "Blooming Onion... Frog Legs... Krispie Kreme Chicken Sandwich... Chocolate Covered Bacon!" I think, "Oooh Yum.. Eww.. Disgusting.. Bleh!" We end up partnering up and going our separate ways, deciding to meet up at the BBQ place we always sit at. My group decides to play it safe and get some BBQ. Chuckwagon seemed like a good place. I got the Chopped Pork Sandwich Plate which was to die for! My sandwich was sooo good I had to have everyone try it. (Aren't I nice!?!) The coleslaw was okay.. but better after I put Tabassco sauce on it. And the baked beans are better at Phil's. But we are at the FAIR. And everything here is awesome!
We decide to get on THE ride everyone has been waiting for. Everyone loves Crazy Mouse. It's like having a giggle attack as the ride whips you back and forth and spins you around and around. They even take your picture as you go down a dip. My cart decides to pay a tribute to the late Michael Jackson.. so we do the Thriller move right as the lights flash. hahah it was hilarious.
We decide to get a little daring and go on Speed. It only sits 8 ppl, 4 ppl on each side of this long piece of metal. And it's super high in the air.. and I'm afraid of falling.. and of heights. hahha. But like I said... I was being daring. Anyway, we got off the ride and I still shaking and my voice was almost gone from all the screaming.
Our last ride of the night was Mega Drop. The one where they take you up and leave you there dangling for what seems like forever. They try to trick you a few times, and when you least expect it, you are plummeting to the ground. I swear my heart stops, and I open my mouth to scream, but nothing comes out. Before you know it, we are on the ground again, and I'm there sitting in shock. Gotta love it!
Before we left, we had to try the Mexican Funnel Cake. And oh boy, was it mucho delicioso!! Churro-style with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. We inhaled everything, and then looked at our empty plate in disgust. "Did we really just eat all that?" hahah.. but it's okay. We are at the FAIR.
See you next year my love...
The good:
Free parking and shuttle by the polo field
We had free adult passes
The Ginsu knife guy was awesome
Lots of water fountains in the buildings - kept filling my bottle for free
Clean restrooms near the flower exhibits
The bad:
Rides way too expensive
Not enough shade - I saw a lot of severe sunburns, especially on kids
Some people should cover up more
B.O. wafting everywhere
Kookie Cookie Chicken Sandwich- Take a grilled chicken breast and instead of using buns use two oatmeal cookies. Now, instead of spreading ketchup or mustard, spread berry jelly and cream cheese. Now you have the Kookie Cookie Chicken Sandwich. Eat and enjoy. You can thank the "Stoned out" chefs who created items such as this for the fair.
Mexican Funnel Cake- the traditional funnel cake batter is replaced with churros. They twist and turn and shape it right onto your plate. Pile on the whipped cream and strawberries and you got yourself a treat. They also have chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauces on the side you can add on yourself. I went with chocolate and caramel....yuummmmm!! Once again, you can thank the creators of all these "weird" items. (I swear it seems like they are high when they create these food concoctions.)
Grand Stage- This is where the concerts are held. I took my gf to see David Archuleta for her birthday. My ears are still ringing from all the annoying little girls and teenagers that surrounded me. I should have expected that. I'm still kicking myself for not having earplugs. At least my chili cheese fries kept me happy during the concert.
Chili cheese fries- Fries, chili, cheese. Fries reminded me of In-and-out. For some reason they tasted so much better because I heard one of the annoying teenagers next to my gf say "damn those fries smell so good." Yes indeed, smelled and tasted delicious. Thank you for keeping me company during the concert. Btw, David Archuleta was alright. He messed up on one of the songs!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/12/2009
Heck yessss the fair is back!! Freestyle Friday coming up..check back later!!
Ok here's a quick… Read more »
Got to love the fair.
We went on a Monday afternoon, no lines anywhere. Getting in and out of the parking was a breeze. We hit it at the perfect time. I have heard some nightmares of the parking situation and I have no complaints.
I ate a roasted corn on the cob and I had a gyro. Everything was yummy.
You just have to make it to the fair.
My girl and I wore outfits to the county fair this year. Skimpy outfits that were rockin'- as if we were on our way to audition for a Guns 'N Roses video. Pretty hot! I didn't even see one person that I knew- pretty cool!
We went there for three reasons, and three reasons only: to ride the Ferris Wheel at sunset, take silly photos in the Photo Booth and eat some Fair Food. We performed all three tasks with no problem- mission complete in two hours flat. And all this accomplished for the low price of $70. Dear Lord, how did we do it?
$10 for parking, $13 for me to get past the gates (my girl borrowed a Fair Pass from a co-worker of hers), $10 for the photos, $20 for the Ferris Wheel and the rest on junk food. We had a giant cone of fries, a lemonade from Hot Dog on a Stick, a frozen banana and an Orange Julius served to us by a remarkable character by the name of DelToro. All delicious once a year treats- except for the fries, I eat those all the time with a mixture of ketsup and mayo.
The County Fair is a tradition. Whether you go to see a concert, the flowers, the farm animals, the furniture, the fudge, the glowing stones, the carnival lights, or just to get lost in a crowd where no one is looking where there going- well, this is the place.
Enjoy the Fair! But bring lots of money to spend. If for some reason you get persuaded by the Barkers to play games, and decide to carry home one of those gigantic stuffed animals or weird soft prizes they give you when you win, please send me an e-mail and give me your insane reasoning as to why you did it. I just don't get it!
Have fun! XO
My hometown puts on a pretty adequate fair each summer that became a significant part of my upbringing, until the fights, rapes and murders gave it a reputation for being a bit of a downer. I always discourage people from going there on account of my concern that they will come out with gills or any other morphing of their DNA.
For a decade, I've been wanting to attend the "Dayull Mar F'hayer!", as the cartoon hayseed in the commercial always used to say. Just...never got around to do. Today I finally went, and I rocked out with my gawk out.
This fair is alive with country spirit and overpriced funitude. First, I didn't know goats could be so beautiful, nor did I realize rabbits could be the size of a dog. Second, I'm amazed how reasonable the lines were for the really good rides. This may be because it was a weekday afternoon, but I've never waited only one cycle to get on the ride. I'm quite used to waiting 2 to 3, not 1. Even at Disney you need a VIP pass to get on that fast.
The food was so ridiculous that we played it safe with a burger and hot dog. All set with chocolate covered bacon. Next time I'll brave the lines and try something I can only get at the fair. The only thing I dislike was that there was an admission price in addition to parking and ride tickets, but thank you to Albertsons for saving us $4 on the entry fee. I guess it's worth it though, for the beautiful view one gets atop the ferris wheel, and the lower risk of drive by shootings in the upscale location where it takes place.
This review is strictly on the desserts I ate at the fair (the ONLY reason I go!)
Deep Fried Snickers: 3 stars. I love the fact that the melted snickers is encapsulated inside of a bread - and put on a stick; however, they could have used a sweeter bread. I feel like they used corndog breading, and it would have been SOOO much better with funnel cake or pancake batter!
Cinnamon Rolls: 4 stars. Oowey goowey goodness. So sticky, so sweet, so frosty! I NEVER say no to these when I'm at the fair. The only drawback - I'm SUPER sticky afterwards and have to wash my face.
CBS Cupcakes: 3 stars. This is a little shop inside the UTC mall that had a booth at the fair. I almost overlooked them, but good thing I the cupcake tower caught my eye. The cupcakes are moist and spongy, just the way I like em! The frosting is sweet - but not overpowering. The only drawback - the price. $2.50 for a mini!! geez! I had the red velvet and the key lime minis.
Cookies (A pink and white hut that sold fresh baked cookies): 4.25 stars!! I had the chocolate chip cookies (3 of em), the peanut butter cookie 91) and the gingerbread man. These cookies were SOOO good. I've had better - but don't let that fool you! They were my FAVORITE thing to eat at the fair!! I even went back for more! They outsides were slightly crispy, but the insides were perfectly soft - just the way I like em. OOOHHH-EEEE, makes me wish the fair was open everyday!
Cheesecake on a stick: 2 stars. Basically frozen cheesecake dipped in chocolate chips and put on a stick. Nothing to rant and rave about.
Chocolate covered strawberries: 3 stars. the chocolate was delish! The strawberries were SAH-WEET. But the price - too much for what I could have made at home!
Texas donut with chocolate filling: 3.75 stars. This was one GOOD donut - and HUGE! It was like 10 inches long and 4 inches wide. It was poofy, light, and filled with chocolate yummy-ness! The only reason I didn't give it a higher rating was that it didn't make me full - but it made a MESS! The glaze was ALL OVER me!!!
Mexican decadence: 4 stars (and I didn't even try it!!)I didn't even have to try this one to review it. It's a diabetics' nightmare - but a dream come true for me. (My husband didn't let me get it because I had already eaten $60 worth of desserts and would be bouncing off the walls from my sugar high) - but it's basically a bunch of churros intertwined together to form the bottom of the funnel cake looking masterpiece. Then it's topped with whipped cream, strawberries, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate syrup. It gets 4 stars just for making me drool!
I must have done something good in my past life to eat all the desserts I do - and remain within a good BMI! WHEW! (That, and the hours of exercise everyday!)
This Friday I'm hitting up the OC Fair! Can't wait to yelp on the desserts I eat there! Last year I had a fried cupcake and a gigantic cream puff! Let's see if I can top it this year!
I've been coming to what purists call the "Del mar Fair" since I was too short to go on the rides in the Fun Zone. Overall, the priciness of this county fair makes this place minus one star. I really should give it three because when i was 14 a chubby kid puked on me on the ride Evolution... seriously... worst nightmare. Anyway:
The good:
- Most food: Austailian potatoes
-Bloomin; onion
- Turkey Legg
- deep friend snickers... ridiculous
- Friendly farm animals
- Fun flippy rides
- Watching live infomercials for a home sushi maker and watching this wife sneak into her husbands backback to get some cash
the bad:
- footlong corndogs... wayyyy creepy
-no Reggae Fest this year
- hard-to-find free water... very expensive soft drinks
- carnies
- rip off carnival games
the ugly:
- the man I saw walking around with his wife and kids with a black shirt that read "100% white and proud"
- being asked "can I talk to you about God"
- barf
I've been going to this fair since I was was 7months old no freakin' lie! Even though I think the name should of never been changed from the Del Mar Fair to the now SD County Fair its still the fair and its still in the same spot so maybe I shouldn't complain! I do feel it still isn't the same though.
When I was a kid all the rides used to be in the same area that the "big kids" rides are now, so when we go now that I have a small child I have to walk all the way to the infield and spend all my time over there so he can get his fun in then have to rip him away from the rides and have to hear him scream/cry until I have to buy an expensive toy or food to calm him down just to get to the main strip.........not really I just let him cry until he stops I don't like to bribe children with cotton candy or anything...............lol
This year was different for me not as much fun as years past, they had nothing new really to ohhhh and awwww over through the exhibits or some fascinating new gadget I could buy that would make my life easier. They still do have the corner flower stand in the first building where you can buy those great smelling plumerias and I couldn't just walk buy without getting a flower for my hair. I also couldn't resist buying a couple to watch grow at home and smell their heavenly scent!! I can't wait for them to bloom!!
I'll continue to go as long as it doesn't change again and as long as I can keep getting in for $13 for the entire span of the fair thanks to my cousin Mary and get free parking thanks to my dad and his diamond club membership with the track. Until next year and more sweet treats!!
One day and one evening at the fair and we saw:
The B52s
Joan Jett
Lots of cover bands
We rode on:
The ferris wheel (twice)
Some cheesey haunted house ride
We ate:
Zucchini Weenine (hot dog in a zucchini in a corn dog)
Chocolate-covered bacon
Deep Fried Oreos
Deep Fried Smores
Garlic-battered artichokes on a stick
Frozen Chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick (my fave)
Kookey Cookie (cookie with cream cheese, raspberry and chicken-- that's right-- chicken)
We drank:
lemonade
margitas
locally-made wines
We checked out:
The animals
As-seen-on-TV products
Shrubbery in the shape of musicians
The scenery (people-watching heaven)
The games- in an attempt to win a big pink monkey
Why do we go the fair? As a kid, I loved the rides. As an adult, my interests took a turn towards.. haha.. the food! If not all the fatty-fried, jumbo-sized delicacies, why else do go to the fair?
I have long craved the infamous 'deep-fried Snickers'. Needless to say, Snickers is already a perfection on its own. Add some donut batter, fry the sucker, and you will definitely taste heaven, if that were possible.
Tried the giant Turkey legs. Salty. Looks good, but not worth all the hype.
Fried zucchini - amazing. It just is.
Chocolate bacon. Not what I expected. It's hard to combine the sweetness of chocolate with something that only goes well with meat.
As an added incentive, I checked out the Del Mar Fair during their international beer festival. Some say that $30 bucks for all you can drink is a bit steep. I think that you cannot put a price on fun. It also makes life more enjoyable. Also, I'm not going to lie. I love the beer.
Overall, a trip to the fair is pricey, but worth it I guess?
The only real fair that I've been to so I gotta give it props. I'd give more stars if the parking were cheaper. Free shuttle system is nice, too bad the lines are long at the end of the day. It'll probably be 45 min before you get back to your car
Must sees:
- Assorted variety of fatty foods - loved you zuchinni fry
- Pig races - cute pink and smelly
- Photography exhibit - worth a browse if not just to relax in the air conditioned halls.
Will enter the photography competition next yr - you get 2 complimentary admissions to the fair!
I'm going to keep this one simple, assuming we start with 5 stars, because, hey, the fair is fun and the food is great and there is a ton to see and do... but still, points were deducted from the 5-star rating because of the following:
- 1/2 point for calling it anything but the Del Mar Fair (and I refuse to call it anything but the Del Mar Fair, thank you very much)
-1/2 point for the crappy parking sitch (maybe they should build a structure or something, because as it is now, it is about as inefficient as any parking situation could possibly be)
- 1 point for the crazy prices to park ($10 out in Africa, $15 for "preferred parking?" Really?)
-1 point for the ridiculous prices on the food (my husband and I spent almost $70 on food in just a few hours, and no, we are not binge eaters, competitive eating champs or 500 pounds each)
So, yeah, that was the fair. Tons of over-priced fair food, thousands of people and crappy parking.
All that said, we'll be back next year. :)
TOO MUCH FOOD! My stomach still feels stretched out from that eating rampage. I hadn't eaten like that since I was a teenager. I had:
BBQ beef sandwhich
Beef gyro
Icee (remember those?)
Funnel cake
Soft serve ice cream
I hadn't been to a county fair since I was a kid so it was fun to go with my niece, sis, and lady. We went on some spinning ride (which lasted longer than I wanted), the bumper cars, the green roller coaster, and watched my niece have fun on some kiddy rides.
Luckily the bro-in-law has a parking pass for the Del Mar track so we got dropped off near the grounds. So I can't complain about parking.
The only complaint would be that the rides a on the pricey side. Each ticket is 75 cents but you have to pay 5-6 tickets for most of the bigger rides.
Overall a good time but my stomach is still hating me!
OK I want to give it at least 4 stars because...come on, it's the SD FAIR...a good time can be had by all for sure. BUTTTTT, I took a star off because of the fact that they absolutely suck all the money out of you as much as they can...you think..."Oh, it's only $11 to get in..." and then you don't realize that they OVER-charge for parking, rides, games, food, photo booth...and I'm sure they would charge for the air that we breathe within the park except they probably haven't found a good team of lawyers and patent people (or whoever is involved in that kind of stuff) to charge for that yet...I'm just waiting for the day when they do charge for ridiculous stuff like that.
Anyway, I had a good time here a few weeks ago, though. My bf won me a little doll and it's sitting in my car...;) Next time I'm going to have to try some of those crazy specialty foods they sell...something deep-fried or covered in chocolate, please!
Big event parking always sucks, thats a given. But when you go to the fair, your 10 bucks gets you a space in a dirt field that is so far from the fairgrounds that you are in a different zip code. What irked me was that there were zillions of parking spaces in the paved lot by the main gate, but they wont let anyone go park in them! WTF.
10 bucks to park, 13 to get in, 7.50 beers, 5 bucks to try and shoot two regular size basketballs in to a 2 inch round basket. You get the picture....bring your wallet and prepare to spend!
Parking was a nightmare this year! The free horsepark lot was full! First time I've ever seen that happen. Wasted 30-40minutes finding a spot. Ended up having to pay $10 at the fairgrounds.
The place seemed alot busier than last year for $2 day. The screening line to get in was long, and they made you empty your pockets of anything metal
The food was the same mostly, although the longest line I found was for the mexican funnel cakes/chocolate covered bacon.
I tried the chocolate covered bacon, and wanted to like it, but hated it. The chocolate was too dark and strong for my taste, and I couldn't taste the bacon. After eating a couple pieces, I threw the rest away.
Deep fried snickers was excellent, as always.
$2 taste of fair on Tuesday was worth it. I liked the $2 tasti chips the most. Good portion. I also tried the $2 gingerbread cake, and it was fresh and warm. I also had a good $2 cinnamon roll.
At closing time, the fair staff promptly closed down the exit surveys. There is an offer for a FREE return admission.
Overall, with the $2 deals, it's a good bang for the buck. If you have to pay full pop, it can get real expensive.
I used to frequent the "Del Mar Fair" every year. This is the first time of been back in like 5 years. I like the new name, San Diego County Fair! Just with that name it sounds like a much bigger and badder event! Which it definitely is! I don't remember it being so massive! Lots has changed. A gazillion carnival rides and games, business vendors, exhibits, concerts and food vendors with lots of deep fried foods of wholesome goodness!
Speaking of food! "Can get the "heart-attack" special, please!" Here are a List of foods I tried, and are now currently regretting it.
1. Totally Deep Fried OREOS($4.50) - I love me some Oreos, but the deep fried stuff just didn't do it for me. The plain batter over powered the yummy Oreo taste.
2. Foot-Long CORN DOG($10) - Made the mistake of ordering one each for me and my lil' bro. Don't make the same mistake I did! One foot-long could have fed a third world country! After 4 bites, I was already full. Sharing is Caring!
3. Mexican FUNNEL CAKE($12) - What a dream come true. This was fucking delicious! lol! Massive as well, but I managed. =P
4. Grilled BBQ ARTICHOKE) - No Mayo for me, just wierd...but I did do the butter. A little healthier alternative. It was good.
There were a few other things I really wanted to try(especially the AUSTRALIAN POTATO CAKES), but just was to full to continue. Oh yea, by the way for you yelpers who have not been to a County Fair. IT'S NOT CHEAP! Be prepared to spend some cash! Especially if you plan on eating at the fair. I saved a little bit, because I decided to bring a few water bottles with us into the fair. I think a small bottle of water was like $4 at the fair!
I'm not much for carnival rides, but I am a sucker for the carnival games! Those carnival game vendors are SUPER aggressive! trying to intice you to play their games to win big useless stuffed animals. And of course, I was bamboozled by a few vendors to pay and play! haha. After donating $25 to the cause, I ended up with a small stuff chicken about the size of a child's palm. =/
Overall, I had a great time at the fair. This would be a great place to take the kids or a place to take a date. It really is fun for the whole family. I'm glad the San Diego County Fair is seasonal, it give you time to workoff the excess weight you've gained in just one visit and save up some money, so you'll be ready for next years fair!
Somehow I get convinced to eat food that is likely to kill me every time i go to this darned fair. I started out with the fried bread pudding, moved onto the enormous sausage roll (which subsequently made me dreadfully sick later that evening), and then the fabulous but frightening Mexican funnel cake. I would have ventured into more goodies had it not been for the murderous sausage.
Fun rides, interesting food, farm animals (what more can you ask for?), and an all around good time.
It is always going to be the Del Mar Fair to me and my sister!
Good:
-all kinds of Food
-Exhibits
-Shopping area where you can find cool items
Bad:
-Prices
-Parking
-No Shade
We go to the fair every year and like most people, we go for the food. Went with my mom, my sis who was visiting from the east coast, my daughter and my husband. Good thing my mother went...she bought all our tickets, my daughter didn't need a ticket. She is 7 yet looks small and they didn't even ask her if she was 5! Well my mom bought all our tickets and our food. We spent $100 in food for the 5 of us. Favorite thing this year was the zuchinni weenie. I always get the australian battered potatoes too. Oh man...so much unhealthy food! I also wanted the sushi maker which I saw them try on our local news station and they said it worked! Other than that...we didn't have time to try any rides or games which are overly priced anyway, but we do it for my daughter and besides she was too hot and too full to do anything.
Tip to fair people....Put up more umbrellas and shade for visitors! So many people were sunburnt! Not healthy at all! And the parking sucked. They wouldn't let us check the front of the parking area and put up the "full" sign and made us park in the dirt yet we saw many people leaving and many available spaces. Plus some of the employees were super rude, I asked a young guy a question and he laughed in my face...I didn't get his name, but I felt like punching him.
For a first timer at the former Del Mar Fair, I had the best time!! Here's why:
My family and I parked outside of the fairgrounds. By "outside", I mean we drove to the horse stables across the way, and took a double decker bus into the fairgrounds. Parking was free, we get to ride a double decker bus for the first time, why the heck not?! We get to the fair, and the first thing we wanted to do was EAT! The smell of bbq, cotton candy, pop corn, etc. was THE BEST! When I go to these types of fairs, I'm not about the rides, I'm all about the food!
A few of my favorites at the fair included: zucchini weenie, fried artichokes, corn on the cob glazed in garlic butter, garlic fries, krispy kream chicken sandwich (don't knock it til you try it), deep fried twinkies, deep fried oreos, and funnel cake. My blood sugar was a little bit on the high side for the day, but eh! I'm not diabetic, and my body thanked me for the abundance of grease and sugar. Did I regret anything I ate! HECK NO!
Another thing I liked about the fair was that it was soooo kid friendly....especially for my two year old. We must have taken her on EVERY SINGLE kiddy ride because by the time we were done in kiddie town, she was fast asleep in her stroller.
My family had a blast, we got majorly sunburned, but we're willing to do it all over again next year!
Hadnt been to the fair in years. I think it was still called the Del Mar Fair back then. Well I am happy to write a good review on it for this year(2009). I went in the first week and it seemed better organized than i remembered. Plenty of exhibits to peruse and get those random things you can only get at the fair.
Obviously you dont have to eat for days after you go because you will have consumed more than your share of calories..
I think it just ended for this year. Too bad I would of like to go back.
I loooooooove the Del Mar Fair!! ( I don't want to call it the San Diego County Fair. That's weird.)
Anyways. There is so much to see and do for all..thrill rides, kiddie rides, interesting foods, exhibits, animals, carnival games, and so on. I happen to enjoy ALL of these things so I always have a fun time at the fair.
The rides are all very fun and exciting, if you try to disregard the fact that they are all portable. A little sketchy.. but hey. Go on the wristband day to save some serious cash if you're a ride lover.
Food is..well. Expensive! But there are so many yummy options and weird, crazy things to try!
Everything else is great as well. The exhibits, animals, and all that are all free (with paid admission of course). People complain about the overall price they have to pay but..the day at a fair is a day to splurge so don't hold back!
Mmmm I always have a good time here. I love you Sandi =)
What I got for $10 last Sunday:
Discounted admission with free off-site parking
Two (2) cups of coffee
Watching AntiQuark and other groups perform in the MTV-3's Latin Battle of the Bands at the Coors Light Rock On Stage
Attending the Los Tucanes de Tijuana concert at the Heineken Grandstand Stage
Riding the Zombie (compliments of the operator)--see the video at http://www.youtube.com... to appreciate it
Too much sun
Having 'El Papa de los Pollitos' stuck in my head for three hours
Being teased about going on the Zombie for the next two days
I am so happy now that my kids are pretty much grown and on their own (or at least they don't want to hang out with MOM!) and that I am able to "do" the San Diego County Fair (previously known as the Del Mar Fair) at my own pace.
Which means go on a day that is not crazy-busy and park close up-if possible. Also: see a good music act either free or at a pretty reasonable price. That I can spend time at the Paul Ecke Flower garden and not have kids tugging at me or saying they're "bored!" Maybe eat the whole serving of Australian Batter Fried Potato's all by myself and think I've died and gone to CARB HEAVEN!
No more stupid, over-priced scary rides! No more lines at the pony ride! No more looking at all that glitter stuff or crystal jewelry. I do miss checking out the police and fire trucks and cars and hearing a lecture about "Say No to Drugs" by the DARE group!
Doing the Fair on your own, adult terms is the way to go. I got a comped ticket for volunteering at Surfrider so all I did was pay for the parking and those sinful ranch-smoothered yummies. Oh-Kelly Clarkson cost a little extra, but that's okay-she's the only American Idol I can stomach and that girl can sing! The concert was wonderful-even though full of those screaming girls and their oblivious parents. A couple of years ago I saw REO Speedwagon for free and I am ashamed to admit-I love them! So music is usually what will draw me and then I work my schedule around seeing that.
Yes-it's all true...Sunburn city so wear a hat and sunscreen or go at night. You burn through money like crazy here but that's to be expected. I just know that riding in the tram back to my parking space in the lot after that cool concert...the moon was full, the smell of stables and BBQ filling the air, and a balmy breeze off the near-by ocean...meant that all was right with the world...and I got to thinking about childhood here and kids.....Oh-why ruin the mood? Just go and have fun-whatever!
I love coming here every year! It is a blast.
The only things I really hate is the fact that everything is SUPER over-priced and their idea of managing parking is anything BUT organized. We tried to find parking, and we ended up getting put way behind the fair (it was like their emergency parking lots or something, because they were running out of room). I don't want to get too into it, but there was a lot of confusion and chaos regarding this lame parking spot they had opened.
After getting in, I almost used up all my money on just food ... But I have to say, that food was darn worth it. If you can think of anything fried - this fair has it. Fried twinkies, fried Oreos, fried frog legs, french fries, fried bacon covered in chocolate ... etc. AND there's Krispy Kreme Chicken Sandwiches. Don't ask. Just try! They are sooo good. And have you ever had the pleasure of eating rattlesnake? Well, at the fair, you have your chance. Of course, for the more boring types, there are the classics: funnel cakes, popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, hamburgers, and churros (these are also quite good).
The fun part: the rides!! OK, so tickets cost a bunch ... because as I said, everything is overpriced. They charge you for just about anything you can imagine. But if you can buy tickets and you enjoy thrill rides, I recommend you getting as many tickets as you can. The fair is only once a year. Just do it! All the rides are fun - except for the lame Haunted Houses ...
And the Expos are even entertaining!
So, much fun and excitement here. I don't always have the greatest experiences here, but I am definitely a fan of the Del Mar Fair. Can't wait for next year!
I really only come here for the food since the concert performers have gone down in quality and they practically charge for every concert now...
What's up with the same theme? Music???? It seems like its music every year. Wasn't it like Elvis recently? C'mon. Where is the originality?
The food is truly the star of this place. I come here for the Australian Battered Potatoes. Way oily, yes, but delicious. Make sure you get with Ranch and Cheese. It masks the oiliness of it. I naturally dislike cinnamon rolls... But here, I'll make the exception. The County Cinnamon rolls has this crunchy sugar exterior texture from the pan that makes it worth getting. I stay away from the deep fried Twinkies and oreos because I don't wanna be sick the next morning. Along with the standard food stuff, those are the ones that truly sticks out to me.
So two stars for the Australian battered potatoes, one star for the cinnamon roll, one star for the nostalgic feeling of being at a fair.
It would be a huge disappointment if the Governator got rid of the fair.
A big A-ok, on the fair this year.
Traffic was . . . as expected. (except for the rude ones who were impatient & cut in.
Going for the $2 Tues.(thank you Albertson's!!) was the way to go. I wouldn't have paid more than $5-$7 to get in. The fair itself was smaller in many areas. The collections were a joke, & the only hobby seemed to be fabric based. The photography was impressive- worth the trip.
Food was good all around (some of the $2 deals were nice portions, others...humprh..a bite or two if that). Flowers entrys have gotten much smaller too, but were nice to have as the finale.
oh btw. . the fried twinkies are a must!!!
I look forward to next year.
2 1/2 stars for this whole fair thing.
Ok so you pay $10 to park
Another $13 or so for a ticket
then you get inside and pay another $10 for a sandwich
fries run about $5 an order
Do you want a drink? that will be at least $3
"hey let's play some games"
"sorry, we can't, we just spent all our money on food and just getting into this place!"
catch my drift?
Love the scary dark ride and the mirror mazes. Fair starts June 12th, 2009 :)
And you can get a 22 day pass for only $22 dollars ONLY if you buy it BEFORE the fair starts. It was somewhere on their website. If you are going to go to the fair 2 days or more, this will save you from $4 to $286 ... hmmm I should really call them right now and see if they need a fair promoter. hahaha
