Let the Fun and Games Begin

By Susan Anasagasti

July 9, 2004 12 AM PT

Times Staff Writer

By Thursday, the truck drivers had made their way from the San Diego County Fair, and most of the thrill rides had been assembled on the midway. The arts and crafts exhibits were ready for judging, and the smell of baking waffle cones was in the air.

At the Orange County Fair’s headquarters, organizers were scrambling to meet today’s 10 a.m. deadline, when the fair begins its 21-day run. Closing night is Aug. 1.

“It’s been hectic around here,” said Chief Executive Officer Becky Bailey-Findley. “It’s like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle.”

Though everything was going as planned, organizers were kept busy late in the week accepting deliveries, handing eager teenagers temporary-job applications and piecing together last-minute details.

“We will be ready,” said Tony Fiori, marketing and safety services director for Ray Cammack Shows Inc., the fair’s longtime midway operator. “There are things that you can’t prevent from happening. But everything will be done on time. Every year it gets done.”

Among the new attractions at the 112th edition of the fair is the Magic Spinning Coaster, which combines the thrill of roller coasters with a spinning motion. Returning for the fourth time is the 164-foot-high La Grande Wheel, the largest Ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere, Fiori said.

Not returning, however, is the Adrenaline Drop, a free-fall ride that had towered over the fair’s main entrance. Last year, a 30-year-old woman was injured when the safety net system failed and she fell onto a foam mat; she suffered unspecified injuries and was hospitalized overnight. The ride was closed, then removed. State officials said two safety nets designed to catch her weren’t high enough.

Fair spokeswoman Pam Highwart said that the safety of fair visitors is management’s priority. She added that as part of security procedures since Sept. 11, public safety officials will be checking bags at all gates.

In addition to the midway, fairgoers can find the usual attractions: eight exhibit buildings, four livestock barns, live entertainment and, of course, seemingly endless food booths. There are also wine-tasting spots to celebrate this year’s theme, “Jammin’ at the Fair,” or the year of the grape.

At the Human Resources trailer Wednesday, Leila Ommi, 18, of Tustin, was getting her picture taken. Throughout the next few weeks, she will help count the money collected each day at the parking lots and the fair-run concession stands.

“This is my first time working at the fair,” said Ommi. “I know it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The fair will offer free admission from 10 to 11 a.m. today, and rides are $1 until 6 p.m. The Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information, visit www.ocfair.com or call (714) 708-3247.

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Today’s highlights at the O.C. Fair

Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight. Location: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

Opening Day. Free admission and parking from 10 to 11 a.m.

More information: www.ocfair.com or (714) 708-3247

11 a.m.: Sign Language Choir

2 p.m.: Jelly in My Belly jelly doughnut eating contest

3:30 p.m.: Grandma’s Cookie Jar contest

5:30 p.m.: Milking demonstration

7 p.m.: Hypnotist Mark Yuzuik

7:30 p.m.: Russell Brothers Circus

8 p.m.: Speedway Fair derby & Freestyle Motocross jumping