Every year the L.A. County Fair comes to Pomona, California. The Pomona Fairgrounds to be exact. This is both a fun and educational adventure. This event is a do-not-miss for folks that live in Southern California, or for those just visiting. In true “LA Style” this fair extravaganza boasts everything from homemade crafts and baked goods to rides and attractions, live music from up and coming bands, and posh floral displays. You can even try a deep fried twinkie! (Or, deep fried avacado for those “healthy” individuals).
The Food – Deep Fried Twinkies??
Three of us visited the fair this last Wednesday. Our first stop – the Orange Julius concession stand, followed by food! I split a bbq beef sandwich with fries and a coke. Next, our group tried a half pound polish dog with the works (onions, sauerkraut, tomato, bell peppers, mustard, etc.). I must admit, we never did work up the nerve to try a fried twinkie…maybe next year.
Varied and Colorful Wares from Everywhere!
Off to the usually air-conditioned buildings! There are several vendor buildings at the fair, with long rows of neat and unusual wares to see. From Macinaw Island Fudge to live oysters with pearls inside to the latest in HD TV technology – it’s all here. (It better be, after all, this is LA).
Fresh Floral Displays and Bonsai Trees
Next, we hit the live flower displays, this year’s theme was “Morocco”. The room was filled with the heavenly scent of fresh lilies and roses, and, was a welome cool reprieve from the hot sun. We checked out the Bonsai trees next door and learned how they are made from the gentleman that makes them there.
I always thought miniature trees were grown from genetically altered seeds, not so. He creates these cute little wonders by taking a piece of a large tree, or a seed from one, and continually cutting back the roots, branches, etc. Each time they grow back, they grow back smaller than before. Pretty cool.
Themed Gardens and Pools
Then, it was out to the garden displays and pool displays, one of my favorite parts of the fair. Beautiful themed gardens are setup along a sloping hillside. I think the best time to view this area is at night. There are lights among the gardens and up the trees. There is also a grove of trees with strands of lights hanging from them, it is truly stunning and a great spot for photos.
Live Music and Salsa Dancing
We wrapped up our day with some live “Latin” music at the stage in the “Mexican Village” section of the fair. The Susie Hansen Latin Band was exceptionally good! Couples here and there were up Salsa dancing, others sat and grooved in their seats while they listened. A fitting way to end a fun-filled day!