Deal: How to get free tickets to the OC Fair

It’s county fair season in Southern California! The OC Fair opened July 15, and others will soon follow. It’s not hard to score free admission to the Orange County event, particularly if you like to give back too.

The deal: Single-day admission costs $12 for adults and $7 for kids ages 6 to 12 years old. The 5-and-younger crowd get in free. Remember, that’s just the admission price; it doesn’t include the cost of parking, rides, food, etc.

For free admission, you can take advantage of We Care Wednesdays.

Rides, a petting zoo and pig races are all part of the OC Fair fun.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times )

Here’s how it works: Bring three new or like-new children’s books July 27 and you’ll get one free admission. You’ll also receive a free ticket if you donate five pieces of clothing on Aug. 3 and new school supplies ($5 or more) on Aug. 10. Thursdays are Kids Days, which means children 12 and younger get in for free.

When: Wednesday and Thursday freebies apply to those days only, but the fair is open Wednesdays through Sundays until Aug. 14.

Deep-fried peanut-butter-stuffed pickles were featured at last year’s OC Fair.

(Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times )

Details: Check out OC Fair Discounts online for more ideas on how to save. For example, kids 5 to 11 years old who read two books can earn three carnival rides,

Upcoming fairs include the Ventura County Fair in Ventura, Aug. 3-14, and the L.A. County Fair in Pomona, Sept. 2-25.

Info: OC Fair, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa; (714) 708-1501

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