City: Del Mar, CA

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (858) 793-5555 (24-hour event

Address: 2200 Jimmy Durante Boulevard

Description: This may be the biggest county fair you’ve ever attended, but don’t let the scope and size put you off—there’s old-fashioned fun to be had. The three-week event draws top country and rock ’n’ roll musical performers, but hometown talent is also a big draw. There are baking contests, hobby displays (you’ve got to see the lint collection!), woodworking prizes, weirdest vegetable competitions, kids’ events, and even wine and microbeer competitions.What are the most popular events with the crowds? With the age-10-and-younger set it’s the midway rides and the animal displays (4H is active in San Diego). Teens enjoy the vendors, the carnival games, and competitive events sponsored by schools and clubs. The age-20-and-older group appreciates all of the above along with the displays, landscape exhibits, flower shows (be sure to see the roses), and food. The cinnamon buns are huge (and scrumptious), and the roasted corn on the cob is a bit of heaven. Food is pricey; some folks pack a lunch or eat before they go and then buy treats. Free shuttles are available from various locations in the county, which helps decrease the frustration that comes from waiting in lengthy traffic jams. General admission is $12.00, the price for seniors and kids ages 6 through 12 is $6.00. Kids get in free on Tuesday. Check out the Web site for “discounts and deals”—there are plenty of ways to go cheaply.Watch the newspaper for a schedule of concerts and events. Also, some of the local grocery stores offer discount tickets that can be purchased before you go. This will save you money and time, since you’ll avoid standing in line to buy tickets at the fair.