Exhibit at Fair Is a Showcase for the Unusual

Tucked away out of the limelight of the carnival rides and in the shadows of the giant exhibition halls is a little-known place at the Ventura County Fair that celebrates what’s unique.

Rare gems and minerals, personal collections of items such as Pez dispensers and salt shakers, and an underwater world of 54 fish tanks make up an eclectic exhibit not far from the giant Ferris wheel.

“It’s certainly a little treasure in the corner,” said fair publicist Teri Raley. “It’s probably the least visited of any department, but should be the most. It’s absolutely incredible.”

Collections this year include Beanie Babies, key chains, Coca-Cola memorabilia, even McDonald’s Happy Meal toys from every year since 1986.

“It’s always fascinating to see what people collect,” Raley said. “It says a lot about people’s sense of curiosity; they love something unusual and then go find more of it.”

Also on display are the fruits of many hobbies. There are decorated eggs--turkey, goose and chicken--adorned with hand-painted designs, dollhouses and models, from 1950s Chevrolets to World War II fighter planes.

“I haven’t seen anything like this before. I had no idea this was here,” said Artha Pegler of La Crescenta as she viewed the quirky displays.

Ross Steinbach of Simi Valley focused on the gem and mineral display. Everything from amethyst to agate and quartz to opal was shown, in its natural state or cut into necklaces, rings and bracelets.

“The stonework is highly impressive,” Steinbach said. “It’s amazing how they find the beauty within the raw rock.”

John Martin of Oxnard marveled at the lengths to which people will go to satisfy their passion for hobbies.

“Obviously, there are a lot of dedicated collectors who are proud enough of their work to show it off,” Martin said. “We are normal people who don’t have anything like this at our home, so when we see this we say, ‘Gee, this is really special, but there sure are some obsessive-compulsive people out there.’ ”

At the other end of the rocks and hobbies exhibit area is a dark room in which a hidden speaker emits ocean sounds. The Fish and Friends exhibit is overflowing with 54 lighted aquariums that hold everything from African dwarf cichlids to saltwater lion fish. There are also lots of lizards, frogs and turtles.

“The crashing wave sounds give the illusion we’re in the ocean, and the dark room with the glowing tanks catches the beauty of the fish. They’re brilliant,” said Marge Stocks, aquarium assistant superintendent. “The atmosphere is cool and relaxing.”

The fish exhibit is most popular among children, Stocks said.

“The kids are in awe by the colors of the fish,” she said.

Pegler, who prefers the Ventura County Fair over others in the state, said the hobbies display sets Ventura’s fair apart.

“This is what a smaller fair can do; it’s more personal,” Pegler said.