LA County Fair: What You Need to Know

The end of summer signifies several things: the nights are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping just slightly, and the kids are back in school. It also means it’s finally time again for the L.A. County Fair.

Running Saturday through Oct. 2, officials are expecting huge crowds for the 89th fair, which this year is titled “Pure Fun.”

“Last year’s attendance was 1,374,673, to give you an idea of our typical attendance,” said Leslie Galerne-Smith, PR & Communications Manager with the Fairplex. 

Like every installment, the 2011 fair will feature food, rides, races, and the End of Summer Concert Series, as well as several fresh exhibitions. 

“The live Shark Encounter is brand new with lemon and nurse sharks, some as large as seven feet long,” said Galerne-Smith. “We also have a new twist on our Our Body exhibit. It focuses on healthy lifestyles and showcases healthy organs near diseased ones. It’s fascinating.”

There are also some hidden gems.

“The Wine and Spirits Marketplace is where you can sample winning wine and beer from the L.A. International Wine and Spirits Competition, and at Fairplex Park we’ll have live thoroughbred horse racing Sept. 9 through Sept. 25,” Galerne-Smith said. 

As an expert on the fair, she has just one tip for visitors.

“The earlier you get here, the more you can see,” she said. “The list of free things to do once you get into the fair is endless, so get there early, grab one of our Daily Fun Guides, and plan your day away.”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

The fair will be open Labor Day weekend, and closed every Monday and Tuesday after that. Opening weekend hours are 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday. Regular hours are noon to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, noon to 11 p.m. Thursdays, noon to midnight Fridays, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.

The LA County Fair is the place to go for fried food - but there are also some healthy treats available. First, the sinful side: deep fried riblets, Kool-Aid, mocha syrup, dough, and watermelon - yes, watermelon - will all be available. Maple bacon donuts, mini-donut sundaes and barbecue oysters are also sure to be popular. For those looking to eat lighter, there will be several vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Multiple cultural festivals will be held during the course of the fair, with Festival Latinoamericano de Arte y Folklore kicking things off Sept. 3 through Sept. 5. Basque Village is scheduled for Sept. 16 through Sept. 18, Celtic Village Sept. 23 through Sept. 25, and Asian Festival Sept. 30 through Oct. 2. All will include entertainment, artisans, music, dancing, shopping opportunities.

Do you like collections? The Millard Sheets Center for the Arts will be showcasing “ECLECTIONS: The Art of Collections.” More than 40 will be on display, featuring everything from robots, lunch boxes, mechanical banks, license plates, and more. The Museum of Neon Art will also have a display on the gallery patio.

Tickets are $1 opening weekend from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and $17 from 1 p.m. to closing for those 13 and older and $12 for those between the ages of six and 12. All other days will be $17 weekends, $12 weekdays for ages 13 and older; $12 weekends and $7 weekdays ages six to 12; $14 weekends and $9 weekdays (except Wednesdays, $6) for seniors; free for kids five and under.

There are a few ways to save money on admission. Season passes are available at Walgreens for $24.99, or at fair gates for $29.99. Admission is free Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. with the donation of a new or slightly used book. You can get in for $5 after 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and for $20 on Wednesdays with an unlimited carnival ride wristband with a voucher from McDonalds. Ralphs Food Drive Fridays allow visitors to get in for free from noon to 6 p.m., with the donation of five Ralphs private label canned goods. On Sept. 10 and 11, active and retired military, reserves, police, fire, and paramedics with ID along with one guest will be admitted for just $1, with proceeds being donated to USA Cares.

Parking is $10 general, $15 preferred, $20 VIP, and $25 valet at Gate 3.

For more information, visit the L.A. County Fair website, or call 909-623-3111.