cue the song 'California' by phantom planet

There are so few things to do in the OC that don’t involve the ocean, the beach, shopping, or Disneyland. However, once a year, every summer, the OC Fair opens. It’s a time of year when Orange County residents rejoice because, apparently, the Fair is the only other thing to do in the OC.

I say this because when Jesse and I went there with my mom, sis, and niece Serena, apparently everyone and their mothers had decided to visit the Fair that same day. But, in true OC fashion, nothing was short of over-the-top. I hadn’t been to the Fair since I was a kid and I vaguely remember it. Honestly, all I remember is seeing the animals. Damn, I don’t even remember the food! So I was a little surprised to see how big the OC Fair was, which had about as many rides as Knott’s Berry Farm and far more food than what Disneyland offers. And yes, there were many, many animals.

This year’s theme is “Cow-abunga” which perfectly combines the OC surf culture with agriculture (yeah, that’s the best explanation I could come up with). The sand sculpture at the Fair’s entrance was pretty spectacular (and unfinished as some sculptors were still working on it).

Here are some cows surfing a huge wave.


Here is a cow, not surfing.


Here is a baby cow (a calf) that Serena is desperately trying to pet.


There she is!


Here is a piggy with her recently-born baby piggies. So cute!


Although she actually has her own horse which she rides at least once a week, Serena was insistent on going to the pony ride. Here she is showing off her pony-riding abilities.

Her riding skills are pretty good for a two-year-old.

Naturally, I made a Youtube video of her riding the pony. You can hear my mom telling me what to do (aka yelling) in the background.


We were getting tired (except for Serena who had taken a quick power nap after the pony ride) and sat down on these bulls of hay. Here I am riding a bull with Serena.


After the pig races, we took a quick pic with Serena on my shoulders. Apparently, by the look on her face, I’m not as comfortable to ride as a horse.


It was a fun, long day at the Fair but I’m really glad I got to spend some time with my niece.