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Hamill says the Fair is a winning mix of
something old and something new, catering to the curiosity
of the crowds as well as their affection for traditional
fare. "Our Wine Courtyard is always a popular option.
You can sit in the shade, sip some wine, relax and reinvent
yourself."
The Courtyard is not only popular with the
patrons but its staffers as well. Every year, more than 300
volunteers coordinated by the Orange County Wine Society are
on hand to man the booths and knowledgably chat about any
wine on - and in - hand.
O.C. Wine Society President Larry Graham says
the wine competition is the largest judging of California
wines in the world, bar none. "Last year, we had over
three thousand entries." The winning spirits are sold
in the Courtyard by the bottle or by the glass.
And for those budding wine enthusiasts who need
help finding their key tastes, seminars are held every Fair
weekend. There is an extra cost for the education, but
Graham assures the price is well worth it. "You get to
taste the wine plus you get a copy of this year's awards
book listing the gold, silver, bronze and other winning
wines, and a keepsake glass with the Fair logo on it."
He adds, "Or, you can just grab your food,
bring it in, and sit at one of our open tables to enjoy a
quiet moment."
Would that include corn dogs? "Sure."
And what wine would you recommend?
"I would probably go with a light Merlot
or Pino Noir," Graham says without pause. "Both
are very complimentary to the corn dog."
One glass, even one bottle of wine, however,
would not be enough to accompany the life-size cheese
sculptures on display, expertly whittled away by mixed media
artist Jim Victor. A variety of animals, foods, even famous
folks will be the subject of Victor's art which he'll create
during the Fair's run. The sculptor will have plenty of
models to choose from. Near his artist's stage is the
"Avenue of Breeds," a line of animals that are
capable of producing cheese-making milk. "We'll have
the dairy cow, of course," Hamill said, "but also
sheep, goats, water buffalo, and - we're crossing our
fingers on this one - a camel."
Wait - camels make milk that makes cheese?
"Surprising, but yes. There will be an
info sheet next to each animal to show what the cheese looks
like and how it's prepared or used to cook."
Hamill says they're planning to showcase a
giant sand sculpture, too, complete with moving parts.
"The sculpture will be of an oversized camera that
appears to be made out of a wedge of cheese. An arc will
open and a mouse will pop out and appear to take
pictures." Hamill admits most of the needed 500 tons of
sand won't be moving but parts of it will be motorized to
provide motion, sound and flash. "The sand sculpture
will be near the main entrance. We estimate it will be about
16 to 20 feet high."
But it's the Fair's many competitions that
remain at the core of Hamill's duties and the center of her
affection. "Every year we see everything from the silly
to the serious, from fun mementos to talented works of
art," she says. "There's always some interesting
collection that means something to someone. I remember one
person wanted to enter his collection of sand from his many
vacations around the world."
Hamill says they've added a kids' competition
this year called Crazy Camera for those 5 to 8 years old.
"The kids learn how to take pictures, then they can
bring their photographs to the Fair and we'll put them on
display in the photo gallery. It's a way for the children to
show something they created themselves. Every entry gets a
ribbon."
Entertainment Director Dan Gaines adds,
"We're going to bring more local pop and rock acts to
the Fair. We're very interested in highlighting local
talent."
The traditionally popular tribute bands will again perform
nightly on the main stage. "I think these bands are so
well received," Gaines says, "because it gives
people the opportunity to hear their favorite songs
performed live. We're adding the Parrot Head Band, a tribute
band to Jimmy Buffet. Also new this year, our guests can go
to our Web site and make requests. Whatever songs are the
most popular get played that night."
Gaines said guests want to see what they've
enjoyed before, yet still be dazzled with something new.
"Eighty percent of what we did last year we're going to
do again. Twenty percent we're going to try something
different."
The E-director is proud of the fact the Fair
has now partnered with South Coast Repertory. "It's
such a positive thing for them and us. They're bringing in a
special performance for kids sixth grade and below called,
'You're Getting Warmer.' The show helps children understand
about the threat of global warming and what they can do to
make a difference. For many kids, it's the first theater
production they've seen."
And for the more action-minded? "Head to
the sports arena," Gaines advises. "The Maloof
Money Cup is the richest skateboard competition in the
world, with events on a half pipe, a vertical wall, and a
street tricks competition. Classes will be offered for kids
to learn how to skateboard, and a large section of the room
is dedicated just to displaying the equipment.
"There's also the Freestyle BMX Triple
Jump where the competitors do spectacular jump acrobatics;
it's always a big wow factor. Then there's the H2X Water
Competition. A large pool will fill the entire space to race
personal water craft and perform stunts."
So where does the entertainment director go to
be entertained at the Fair? "As a parent, I like to see
my kids' reactions," Gaines said. "We'll
definitely see South Coast Rep's 'We're Getting Warmer'
play, but from a purely fun, crazy point of view, I want to
take them to the pig races. It's such a blast. Every year
it's standing-room-only, and the kids have so much fun
watching the pigs run. Boy, are they fast!
Gaines laughs. "I love this place. I mean,
where else can you go and watch great theatre by South Coast
Rep, see the Peking acrobats, then a hypnotist, and then a
great blues band all for under 10 bucks? It's
brilliant."
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