Your guide to (over)indulging at the County Fair
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Enjoy outrageous food, rides, games and concerts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds this summer. Photo: Courtesy San Diego County Fair
It's opening day at the San Diego County Fair, and we got an early taste of the outrageous, delicious and deep-fried creations in this year's food competition.
Why it matters: These delicacies are a main draw for the county's largest and longest-running annual tradition, which brings nearly 900,000 people to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for rides, concerts, games and other vendors.
- Before we get to it, a friendly reminder that calories don't count at the fair.
🏆 Dig in: Many of the vendors competing in the Fair-tastic Food Competition have been fair favorites for decades and whip up new items to show off each year.
- Judges will narrow the field from 45 to 18 finalists Wednesday, and the champions in various categories will be crowned Friday during a live culinary showdown.
- All 18 food items in the finals will be 50% off every Friday during fair season.
😋 Best bites: Ricky's California Corn Dog's blueberry brie smash dog was the sweet and savory combo I didn't know I needed — and would still be craving days later. The sandwich features a sliced beef hot dog with creamy, melty brie and blueberry jam in a toasty croissant.
- West Coast Weenies, a back-to-back champion, crafted a churro dog that's like a giant deep-fried mozzarella stick rolled in cinnamon sugar with a sweet milk drizzle. The cheese-pull is epic.
- Disco Chicken's peach cobbler heat karaage chicken is crispy and tossed in a sweet and spicy glaze that hits just right.
- Dragon Street Eats put an ice cream sandwich on a stick, dipped it in marshmallow goo, torched it until toasted, and drizzled chocolate on top for a sweet, sweet treat.
🎢 State of play: The 20-day fair is open 11am-11pm Wednesday-Sunday through July 5, so expect traffic backups on Interstate 5 around Del Mar until then.
- Tickets are $17-$25 for adults and $14-$22 for seniors and kids.
- You pay separately for the thrilling rides and carnival games.
🎶 The concert lineup is stacked with performers like Marshmello, Good Charlotte, J Boog, Nelly and Maren Morris.
- Tickets include same-day admission to the fair.
🤑 Pro tips: Kids go for free on Fridays, and those under 5 are always free. They can also get free tickets by signing up for the public library summer reading program.
- Save up to $8.50 on tickets when grocery shopping at Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions.
- Get unlimited rides on Wednesdays and Thursdays for $55.
- 48 food stands are offering $15 meal deals.
🚘 Parking is $25 ($20 in advance), but it's free at Torrey Pines High School, which has a shuttle to the event. Save money by taking public transit with a Fair Tripper ticket.
🎆 Consider going for the Fourth of July fireworks show.