Countywide : Fair Opens for the 100th Time Today

Sky divers, former fair queens and throngs of visitors are expected to come out to the fairgrounds in Costa Mesa today for the start of the 100th annual Orange County Fair.

While fair-goers this season can still take a spin on the Ferris wheel and eat cotton candy, hundreds of extra events are scheduled during the 17-day event to celebrate the fair’s centennial.

Workers spent Thursday putting finishing touches to the fairgrounds in time for today’s opening ceremonies, which will take place at 10 a.m. in front of the new entrance to the fair--a giant pole tent reminiscent of fairs from days gone by. To take people back to their childhoods, the tent will be filled with old-fashioned vendor carts, carnival games and other memorabilia.

Several special guests are expected to come out and sing birthday greetings at the opening, including costumed mascots from past fairs, former fair queens and 100-year-old residents of Orange County. The Orange County All-American Boys Chorus and a sky-diving show will take center stage to entertain guests.

The first visitors to enter the grounds will receive a piece of a giant birthday cake, which will be served until it runs out, and for the first 100 minutes all carnival rides will be 25 cents.

The fun and frolicking does not stop there.

The 17-day event, called “Meet Our Main Squeeze” in honor of the county’s citrus industry, is packed with everything from ostrich races to a wedding. Dozens of musical acts, including Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, will also perform. And for those who go to look at the pigs, chickens and cows, the National Junior Shorthorn Show, featuring shorthorn cattle from across the nation, will be held. There will also be the usual array of farm animals.

The fair continues through July 26 at the Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information on the various events, call (714) 549-9802.