The San Diego County Fair will continue its run through July 14 with the theme “Taste the Fun,” a farm-to-fork showcase of San Diego foods. “With the Food Network being so big at this time, we all got together and thought, ‘Wouldn’t a food theme be wonderful?’” said Linda Zweig, spokeswoman for the fair. San Diego’s vibrant culinary scene, avocado growing-capital status and wine region make it a perfect fit, said Zweig. Fair officials are hoping the 22-day run of this year’s fair might lure as many as 1.3 million funseekers. Last year, fair vendors served up 2,000 pounds of frog legs, 5,000 pounds of White Castle sliders and more than 2,100 deep-fried macaroni and cheese on sticks, and this year they are warming the deep fryers for more. New to appear on the menu will be deep-fried Klondike bars and a deep-fried Pop Tart, topped with strawberries. In addition to the famous, wacky deep-fried creations fairgoers have come to know and love, “Taste the Fun” will showcase local chefs and growers, and live cooking demonstrations and competitions every day, including the Next Food TV Star contest where finalists will compete for a cash prize and a shot at boosting their TV food career. The flower and garden show — “In Good Taste” — follows suit, showcasing edible gardens and water-saving tips for growing. In the beverages department, the San Diego International Beer Festival will run from June 25 to 27, featuring samples, brewing seminars and a “Meet the Brewers” series. The beer festival requires a separate ticket and coincides with a roller derby tournament hosted by the San Diego Derby Dolls. If that’s not enough grease from the food, there will be a “Grease movie sing-a-long” in the paddock on Saturday, June 26, giving the audience an opportunity to sing along to subtitles on the newly restored 1978 movie musical classic. Dinner wouldn’t be complete without a show, and the fair has a full roster of entertainment. Musical acts this year included Sammy Hagar and the Wabos on June 11, with upcoming shows featuring Donna Summer (tonight, June 17), KC and the Sunshine Band (June 18), Switchfoot (June 24), Julio Iglesias (June 25) and Cash’d Out, the Johnny Cash tribute band (July 4). Some concerts require purchase of an additional ticket. The San Diego County Fair is the region’s largest event, attracting 1.2 million visitors annually. The first agricultural fair was held in San Diego County in 1880 and it has been held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds since 1936. General admission is $13 for adults, $7 seniors over 62 and children 7-12. Children five and under are admitted free. Parking is $10 and free parking and shuttle service is available from the Del Mar Horsepark, MiraCosta’s San Elijo campus, and Torrey Pines High School. Tuesdays are kids’ days, where children under 12 receive free admission. The fair will be closed on Mondays June 21 and 28. The Del Mar Fairgrounds is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar. For more information and a complete list of events and schedules, visit www.sdfair.com.
