A Fair to Remember

Relive the ‘70s with disco.

Watch exciting lawn mower races.

Laugh at comedians.

Learn a funky new hairstyle at the beehive hairdo contest.

The 104th Orange County Fair kicks off today with events and exhibits that are guaranteed to entertain, tantalize or just plain repulse you.

The theme of this year’s fair is “Best Pickin’s in California” and salutes farmers and their contributions to Orange County and the state.

The sub-theme, “We’re Puttin’ a Bug in Your Ear,” will emphasize the role insects play in farming.

“We felt that the insect theme would tie in real well with the farming theme,” said Jill Lloyd, spokeswoman for the fair. “It will be interesting and educational because they do have a big part in farming and agriculture.”

Vivid hand-size butterflies, camouflaged walking sticks, tarantulas and ordinary houseflies are some of the exhibits featured in the Bug Barn.

“I can’t make up my mind [what I like best in the Bug Barn], I like them all,” said Chris Pickering, 9, of Bellflower, who was at the fair during a preview day. “I learned mosquitoes can live right in your own backyard, that bugs can get from the size of a small point of a needle to as big as someone’s hand.”

But his brother Nick, 6, had no problem making up his mind.

“I like the yellow scorpions because I like to look at them, but in real life I’d never like to see them,” he said.

Next to the Bug Barn, the colorful and elaborate Bug Garden has plants, flowers and insects depicting the cycle of life. Gardening pests such as aphids will be released into the garden to munch on the crops. But their natural enemy, the ladybird beetles (commonly known as ladybugs) will be allowed to dine on the aphids. It will show gardeners that they don’t have to resort to insecticides to kill pests.

But it is Ron Taylor, the self-proclaimed “Bug Chef,” who is sure to draw crowds. He will prepare recipes using mealworms, wax worms and crickets during the fair.

“At first I thought it was going to be gross, but it’s good,” said Cory Kindness, 8, of Huntington Beach after he tried a crunchy handful. “It tasted like barbecued potato chips.”

For the disco set, the fair will feature Deney Terrio, the host of “Dance Fever,” the Trammps will perform “Disco Inferno,” and Kool and the Gang will sing hits such as “Celebration” and “Joanna.”

For laughs, Paul Rodriguez will perform his blend of Latino culture and comedy. The usual attractions, rides, food, games and side shows will be available for the expected 40,000 people on opening day.

The Orange County Fair runs through July 28. Hours are noon to midnight Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Sunday. Admission is $6 for ages 13 to 54, $5 for ages 55 and older, and $2 for children ages 6 to 12.