[JSR] OC Fair 2019

A view captured from one of the most popular rides at the OC Fair. Source: Author, Sungmin Stella Kim

A picture of all the different butterflies at the butterfly exhibit. Source: Author, Sungmin Stella Kim

For many Californians, the Orange County Fair is considered one of the most popular summer events. Abbreviated as the OC Fair, the Orange County Fair is held every summer at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, attracting more than a million visitors every year. The 2019 OC Fair this year lasted from July 12 to August 11 (23 days, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). The hours were from noon - midnight on Wednesday-Friday and 11 am - midnight on Saturday-Sunday.

Sungmin Stella Kim, Grade 11 Northwood High School

If you were worried that the OC Fair didn’t have enough fun activities already set up for you, that wasn’t a problem. In fact, the OC Fair had numerous activities that it took the whole day to try everyone. Just to name a few, the diverse activities at OC Fair included stuffing yourself with food, enjoying free shows and shopping, and walking around the carnival. There were also a variety of exhibitions where people admired art works that won contests.

The OC Fair also showcased livestock and animals, where animal-lovers interacted with goats, llamas, and sheep. Everywhere you went, there was appealing rides and food stands right in front of your eyes. There was a total of 68 rides and 58 games at the OC Fair, giving fairgoers lots of summertime fun.

If I could give a few tips for people anticipating visiting the OC Fair next year, I would first say to bring enough money. A general single day admission already costs $12, and once you go into the fair, you need to also purchase tickets for rides and games ($20 for 40 tickets, $50 for 100 tickets, and $100 for 200 tickets). The amount of tickets you should buy depends on how many and which rides or games you want to do, because each activity requires a specific number of tickets. Another important reminder prior to going to the fair is to bring sun protection necessities including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It is especially crucial for those planning on going during the day when it’s sweltering with intense heat.

A popular visitor’s attraction at the fair is the butterfly exhibit. It is a chance to explore and interact with butterflies, where many people try to take photos when the butterflies land on them. Many people, especially teenagers, post pictures of themselves from this exhibit on social media platforms (like Instagram), proving the popularity of the exhibit. When asked about her first experience at the butterfly exhibit, my friend Rachel Abalos replied, “It was really cool that the butterflies actually landed on me, and I think I got over my fear of butterflies.”

The OC Fair is one of the most exciting summer events in California; it’s a place filled with fun where anyone can enjoy quality time with friends and family. Although you might end up spending a lot of money at the fair, it is definitely a must-go-to place in the summer if you ever get the chance to. If you missed the chance of going to the fair this year, make sure you make it a point to visit next year!