Pinching Pennies Can Add to the Fun

What with the price of admission, a swing through the Fun Zone, and the mandatory purchase of batter-coated, deep-fried hot dogs skewered on sticks and large, gooey, sticky cinnamon buns, attending the fair can be an expensive--not to mention calorie-laden--excursion. There are ways, however, for fair-goers on a budget to avoid the waftings from the food booths, and the fair’s admission price in some cases, and still have a good time.

One way of getting into the fair free--for at least part of the day or night--is to enter one of the fair’s One-Day Contests. Not only is it free to enter these contests, but contestants get a pass for free admission to the fair when they present their entry up to a few hours before judging begins.

Interested participants should call the fairgrounds at 755-1161 and ask for the entry office to get specific information on the contests and rules.

For those already at the fair, there is no charge to enter any of the contests, and there is a wide variety to choose from each day, including pie eating, hog calling and ballroom dancing. Ribbons are awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners.

For anyone with children under 12 years old, remember this day: TUESDAY. Every Tuesday during the fair is Kids Day, and all children 12 years and younger are admitted free.

The fair also has an advance discount admission program operated by the San Diego Region Parent-Teacher Assn. Fair-goers can save $1 on every adult admission ticket and 50 cents on every senior citizen or child ticket by buying in advance from their local PTA. For information, call the PTA at 296-2155.

For true devotees of the ponies, the usual $3 admission to Satellite Wagering (situated in the northeast corner of the fairgrounds near the new horse arena) will be waived with proof of admission to the fair. Those who start their day at Satellite Wagering and want to attend the fair can buy a “crossover” ticket for $3. Satellite Wagering offers live broadcasts of thoroughbred racing at Hollywood Park and quarter-horse racing from Los Alamitos.

This year, more than 100 food and beverage booths will line the midway and the deeper recesses of the fairgrounds. Although the urge to plunk down major dollars for a quarter pound of Mackinac Island Fudge may be strong, you can bring your own food to the fair and eliminate the middleman.

Fair-goers can eat their own food at any of the fairgrounds’ picnic areas except those maintained by individual food vendors. Glass containers and alcohol are not allowed. By bringing your own meal or snacks, you might just be able to afford a cup of lemonade for $1.50.

For Fun Zone thrill seekers, there isn’t a way to take a twirl on the merry-go-round or any of the other 150 rides free, but there are some discounts for the rides, which usually require at least two to five tickets. There are ticket booths at the front of the Fun Zone. No cash exchanges go between riders and ride operators.

Fun Zone tickets are 55 cents apiece and can also be purchased for a savings in 20-coupon strips for $10 or books with 45 coupons for $20. For the hard-core rider, there is a wristband for $17 that allows the wearer unlimited use of all Fun Zone rides from noon-12:30 a.m.

The two Mondays of the fair, June 22 and 29, have been designated Pepsi Pay-One Price Day. Ride lovers can bring an empty Pepsi can, and the wristband will cost $14, which is good for unlimited rides the entire time the Fun Zone is open, from noon-12:30 a.m.