This place is very big and full of every type of amusement - it's said to be six times the size of Disneyland. As for sticking to the diet, just forget it, the smell of food will hit you as soon as you leave the car. It's everywhere, and it's delicious.
I went to this Southern California extravaganza two years ago and frankly I've been looking forward to returning ever since. Once again I took the long suffering Mrs. S along with me.
Being fond of horses, She Who Must Be Obeyed (S.W.M.B.O.) was looking forward to reestablishing her contact with the Budweiser Clydesdales. They were there but not the same troop as last time. These came from Missouri and not from San Diego. Of course, like all the other attendees when we came to call they were eating.
Last time I had noticed that there was a lot of food around, but this
Visiting the Big Red Barn there were scores of different farm animals, all with their heads in the trough. One little pig refused to leave his mother when his siblings left off as he was anxious to continue his meal. Mother ignored him and walked about, but he still clung on.
As the day wore on it warmed up, and shade was high on the agenda. One of the coolest places turned out to be the Inside Africa exhibit. It was air-conditioned, and no food was allowed inside. Relief on two fronts!
The same situation was at the Millard Sheets Gallery where an exhibition of "Art from 30,000 Years" had a lot to offer. Everything from painting to metal work to two looms in full operation showing just why hand made carpets are so expensive. It's a long process and fascinating to watch.
Outside once again it's impossible to ignore the carnival atmosphere with a high chair ride traveling along Broadway and Palm Streets, linking many of the 11 different areas. It will give your feet a rest if you climb on board, and ride above the crowds.
Within the Pomona complex is the race track and if you check the on line schedule you can enjoy a little track excitement on your visit. I would have liked to have seen the pig racing were it on during my time there. If the previously mentioned mother was running I would hope she could have shaken of her little son beforehand.
Of course, there are lots of shopping opportunities with many booths selling everything from coolers to clothing. I rather liked the odd bicycle without a saddle. You use it as a scooter. Last visit's purchase of a straw hat had already come in very handy.
Eventually, of course, the time for food came around and I was faced with the ultimate choice of which particularly bad thing to go for.
S.W.M.B.O. had gone off to buy some sort of fresh fruit stuff. On her return she gave me that sort of look that most wives will on seeing her husband tackling a very large polish sausage, with a grand helping of chili cheese fries. Well, it's only once a year, isn't it?
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR
Where: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona
When: Through Oct. 4; noon to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, noon to 11 p.m. Thursdays, noon to midnight Fridays, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Cost: From $17. Parking $10-$15.
Information: (909) 623-3111; lacountyfair.com
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