Summer in Southern California means one thing: fair season! And there’s no better way to embrace the magic of summer than spending a day at the iconic OC Fair. From Fun Biz Concessions mind-blowing food creations to heart-pumping rides and enchanting experiences, this year’s fair delivered everything we could have dreamed of and more.
Fun Biz Concessions: Where Culinary Dreams Come True
Let’s be honest – the real stars of any county fair are the foods, and Fun Biz Concessions absolutely stole the show this year. Their innovative creations had us questioning everything we thought we knew about fair food.
Spud Ranch: Potato Perfection
Our first stop was Spud Ranch, where we discovered pure potato paradise. The Twister Tater with sea salt was an absolute revelation – spiralized potatoes perfectly fried on a stick, creating a golden, crunchy handheld masterpiece that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. Every bite delivered the perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior, seasoned to perfection with just the right amount of sea salt.
But the real showstopper was their brand new Pizza Potato – a genius fusion that’s half-pizza, half-potato. This innovative creation somehow managed to combine the comfort of a loaded baked potato with all the savory goodness of pizza. It’s the kind of food innovation that makes you wonder why no one thought of it sooner!
Bacon Nation: A Carnivore’s Paradise
If you think you’ve experienced bacon in every form possible, Bacon Nation is here to prove you wrong. Their Award Winning Candied Pork Belly Bites were absolute perfection – each bite delivering that perfect sweet-and-savory combination that makes your taste buds sing. The candied coating created this incredible caramelized crust while the pork belly remained tender and juicy inside.
The Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog elevated the classic fair staple to new heights, wrapping a perfectly grilled hot dog in crispy bacon before smothering it in sautéed peppers and onions. But their brand new Pulled Pork Bacon-Wrapped Burrito was the real game-changer – tender, smoky pulled pork wrapped in a warm tortilla and then encased in crispy bacon. It’s the kind of indulgent creation that makes fair food legendary.
And then there was the Cotton-Candy Wrapped Bacon – yes, you read that right! This brand new creation sounds wild, but the combination of salty, crispy bacon with sweet, fluffy cotton candy created this incredible flavor contrast that somehow just worked. It’s definitely one of those “you have to try it to believe it” moments.
RCS Games and Rides: Thrills and Behind-the-Scenes Magic
The food was incredible, but the rides and games provided the perfect adrenaline rush to balance out all that delicious indulgence. RCS Games and Rides offered some seriously exciting experiences that had us screaming with delight.
We got an exclusive Behind-The-Scenes tour of the North Pole Stuffed Animal Lot, where we discovered the magical process of how those adorable prizes come to life. It was fascinating to see the operation behind those giant teddy bears and quirky stuffed animals that everyone’s trying to win.
But the real thrills came from the rides! The Heidi Coaster is by far my favorite – there’s something absolutely exhilarating about that classic coaster experience with all its twists, turns, and moments of pure weightlessness. The Raptor coaster delivered even more excitement with its intense drops and sharp curves that left us breathless and immediately wanting to go again.
And I can’t forget to mention the Rave Wave – imagine spinning backwards while rave music blasts and a blue tarp covers you to simulate riding an actual wave. It was disorienting in the best possible way, creating this surreal experience that felt like being inside a music video while riding a roller coaster at the same time.
Moments of Magic and Relaxation
Between all the food adventures and adrenaline rushes, we found some perfect moments to slow down and soak in the fair atmosphere. La Cantina provided the ideal respite where we could rest our feet, sip cold beer, and enjoy the vibrant sounds of live Mariachi music. There’s something so authentically Southern California about enjoying traditional Mexican music while surrounded by the sights and sounds of a classic county fair.
But perhaps the most magical experience of the entire day was the Butterfly Tent from SkyRiver Butterflies. For just $3 per person (paid via Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, or PayPal), you can step into an enchanted world where you’re surrounded by the most beautiful butterflies of all sizes and colors. Watching these delicate creatures flutter around and occasionally land on you was truly magical – it felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The variety of species and colors was breathtaking, and the peaceful atmosphere provided a beautiful contrast to the excitement of the rides and the indulgence of the food.
Don’t Miss Out! (OC Fair Dates)
The OC Fair continues through 8/17, open Wednesdays through Sundays, which means you still have plenty of opportunities to experience all this magic for yourself. Whether you’re a foodie looking to try the latest fair food innovations, a thrill-seeker ready for some serious adrenaline rushes, or someone who just wants to soak in that classic summer fair atmosphere, the OC Fair delivers on every level.
From the incredible culinary creativity of Fun Biz Concessions to the heart-pumping rides from RCS Games and Rides, plus those special magical moments like the butterfly tent and live Mariachi music, this year’s fair offers something special for everyone. Trust me – you don’t want to miss out on what might be the perfect summer day out in Southern California! $13+; through 8/17, various hours; 88 Fair Drive – Costa Mesa, CA 92626; 714.708.1500
