Los Angeles County Fair 2018

I didn’t attend the fair last year because I spent most of September busy with my Scotland trip. This year I corrected that omission. There’s something about a county fair that shouts AUTUMN!  I can’t resist that call.  Usually, the local fair isn’t anything like the country fairs I remember, but that doesn’t change my intention.  I go just the same.

The Los Angeles County Fair is held on the eastern outskirts of the county, in Pomona, California.  This inland valley is often scorchingly hot in September but I had some luck during my visit.  It was a rare cool day, well relatively cool.  The temperature was forecast for the low 90-degree range.

The Sun Shines Bright…

In spite of the heat, there were people walking about viewing the displays, especially the food stalls.

I love these places with there bright signs and weird food.  The fellow on the far left looks like he’s tempted, but it’s still early.  There’s plenty of time to get something to eat.

The meat is on the grill this year seems bigger than ever.  I’ve heard of “footlong” hotdogs, but these days that’s the norm…or the children’s size!

Who came up with that horrible sign?  Just looking at it made me change my mind about ordering.  I felt fat!

Get your kicks…

Every year the Los Angeles County Fair has a theme; this year it’s Route 66.  All the signage relates to the classic road sign. One section of the fairgrounds commemorates all the states through which the famous highway travels.  This display is a bit of nostalgia here in California, a state in which cars dominate the culture.

The eerie whine of the calliope

The big attraction for me is evening when shadows fall, and the magic begins.  I’m a kid again, and the night is mysterious. I always think of Ray Bradbury stories, especially Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Jump on and ride!  How many years will it add to your life?  When will it stop?  And you thought this was a tame ride.

In the evening the midway comes alive, such a thrilling time!  I love the bright lights and the color!

Tips

• The fair runs from August 31 to September 23, 2018
• The fair is closed on on Monday and Tuesday
• Attendance is expected to top one million people
• Check the official fair website for ticket prices.  There are many options.

To see more photos from my trip to the fair, please click here.