The Orange County Fair - A Family of Four - and $4

There are a few choices when attending the Orange County Fair. You can go all out and spend a couple of hundred dollars on admission, rides, games and food, you can go cheap (which is what this post is all about) or you can go somewhere in between.

Most people can figure out how to spend a few hundred at the Orange County Fair, and I thought it would be more fun to talk about doing the OC Fair on $4.

If you're going to do this, make sure you have a plan, especially if you have young kids.

Step 1. Plan to attend the OC Fair during one of its promotions. See Orange County Fair Discounts and Deals for ideas.

We attended during the book fair event which meant that if we brought one new book, we received fair admission and one free carnival ride, resulting in a savings of of $12 to $17 per person to start.

The result of this was that for a total of $4, we got four tickets and four rides, so each child got 2 rides, making them feel like they got to do some of their favorite things.

Step 2. Prepare your kids before you get to the Orange County Fair. For us this is a key step.

The kids knew ahead of time that we were not going to ride a bunch of rides or play a bunch of games. If we're going to do that, we come when they're $2 each.

By preparing the kids, we limited the amount of complaints and upset from not getting to do all of the rides and it works pretty well.

Step 3. Bring food and snacks. There is so much temptation at the Orange County Fair, very little of it good for you, so pack a few snacks and some water bottles. This cuts back on costs and makes the Fair healthier (which I know is antithetical).*

Step 4. Free parking. We are close enough to the Orange County Fair to be able to ride our bikes, but there are other options to free or inexpensive parking by parking in remote lots.

Step 5. Discover all the Fair has to offer for free. We signed up for the Knott's Berry Farm pie eating contest, watched the pig races, petted farm animals, posed for pictures, looked at lovely photos and watched glass blowers. There is so much to do at the Fair that is part of the admission, why not enjoy it.

Someone was even kind enough to give the kids a huge monkey. (Have you ever tried to take home a giant ape in a bicycle trailer?)

We spent four hours at the Orange County Fair on $4 and had a blast.

What other suggestions do you have for enjoying the Orange County Fair or other local places for cheap? We'd love to hear them.

* Please check rules on outside food and drink. No one commented on ours during the bag check.

Originally posted at Orange County Fair on $4.

Orange County Fair - Deals and Savings

Wondering what the best deals are at the Orange County Fair, how to get in for cheap, what days are best for going on rides and playing games?

You've come to the right place. Choosing the right day can save you lots of money and frequently help others at the same time.

OC Fair Freebies

• July 15th - Opening day of the OC Fair brings free parking and free admission - for the first hour of the fair ( Noon to 1pm).
• July 20th - Bring 5 nonperishable food items, and you'll get free admission and 1 free carnival ride - (Noon to 4pm).
• July 27th - Bring 1 new or 3 gently used children's books and get free admission and 1 free carnival ride - (Noon to 4pm).
• August 3rd - Bring 5 gently used pieces of children's clothing and get free admission and 1 free carnival ride - (Noon to 4pm).
• August 10th - Bring 1 new school supply valued at $3 or more - get free admission and 1 free carnival ride - (Noon to 4pm).
• Thursdays - Kids under 12 get free admission to the Orange County Fair.
• Kids 5 to 11 - Get 3 free carnival rides for reading 2 books and completing the form on the OC Fair website.
• Free Parking Saturdays and Sundays - if the free shuttle from Experian parking lot is used.
• Concert and show tickets include free fair admission for the day of the event.
• Active Duty military get free admission every day.

Discount Tickets

• Fridays - $2 admission for seniors (60+)
• Saturdays and Sundays - $2 admission (10am to 11am)
• Wednesdays and Thursdays - Unlimited wristbands (sold until 5pm - valid until 8pm) $25 + $2 games
• Fridays - $2 games and $2 rides - Noon to 4pm
• Orange County Fair Super Pass

Click to find out what 4 year olds think of the Orange County Fair. ___________________________________________________

Thinking about selling or buying a home in Orange County? Please contact Christine Donovan at 714-319-9751 to learn about out 198 Point Marketing Program for Sellers and our Buyer Program designed to save Buyers thousands of dollars.

Orange County Fair Super Pass

The Orange County Fair will be in Costa Mesa at the Fairgrounds from July 15 to August 14, 2011. The Fair is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Fair admission is as follows:

• $11 - Adult (13-59)
• $8 - Senior (60+)
• $6 - Youth (6-12)

If you are planning several trips to the Fair, you may want to consider the Orange County Fair Super Pass. The Super Pass allows for entry on all 23 days of the Orange County Fair. Other Super Pass Benefits:

• 2 for 1 Terrace seats for certain concerts at the Pacific Ampitheatre.
• 20% discount for certain events at the Action Sports Arena.
• 20% discount to certain events at the Hangar.
• Express Lane entry to the Fair.

The Orange County Fair Super Pass can be purchased prior to the start of the OC Fair at the box office through July 14th.

Orange County Fair Super Pass Prices (before July 15th) (after July 15th)

• $25 - Adult $30 - Adult
• $20 - Senior $25 - Senior
• $15 - Child $20 - Child

If you're planning to attend the OC Fair at least 3 times, the Orange County Fair Super Pass can be a great way to save some money. Curious what the OC Fair is like, please see the Orange County Fair through the Eyes of a Four Year Old. Would you like to know more about how to save money at the OC Fair, please see Orange County Fair Deals. ___________________________________________________

Thinking about selling or buying a home in Orange County? Please contact Christine Donovan at 714-319-9751 to learn about out 198 Point Marketing Program for Sellers and our Buyer Program designed to save Buyers thousands of dollars.

OC Fair Opening Day - Opening Day Specials - July 16, 2010

If you're looking for a good day to go to the OC Fair, opening day offers a lot of specials.

Free Fair Admission - 12pm to 1pm

Free Parking - 12pm to 1pm

Free Admission to 36th Annual Speedway Fair Derby - with general fair admission

Free Admission to Pink Floyd Experience with general fair admission

$1 Food Tasting - 12pm to 4pm

$1 Carnival Games and Rides 12pm to 7pm

So, if you've been thinking about going to the first day of the OC Fair, be sure to come early to take advantge of all the great specials tomorrow.

The Orange County Fair runs this year from July 16 to August 15 and is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Super Pass for Orange County Fair Now Available

If you plan to go to the Orange County Fair more than a couple of times, the Super Pass may be for you.  It gives you 23 days of Fair Admission for one low price.

The OC Fair runs this year from July 16 to August 15.

In addition to admission to the Fair, the Super Pass gives you to 2 for 1 concert tickets for certain concerts and 20% off select shows at the Pacific Ampitheather.

It also provides free ice skating August 11 to August 15

The Super Pass prices are as follows if purchased before July 15th.

Adults - $25
Seniors (60+) - $20
Children (6-12) - $15

So, if you want to enjoy the Fair more than once or twice, be sure to pre-order your Super Pass.

Originally published at Orange County Fair Super Pass.

The 2009 Orange County Fair - A 5 Year Old's Pictorial Retrospective

This year Mom discovered a cool new thing, the Orange County Fair's Super Pass.  What is it?  It's a ticket, like annual Disneyland Passes, that allowed us to go the Orange County Fair lots of times this year.

Mom says when she and Dad used to live near the Orange County Fair, they got free tickets, but we don't live that close any more so the Super Pass was great.

Mom told Grandma and Grandpa about it, so they got them too, and I got to go with them and Mom and Dad.  I think I went 10 or 11 times!

What was my favorite thing about the Orange County Fair? 

It wasn't the animals though they were pretty cool.  It wasn't the food, though I really like funnel cakes and corndogs and lemonade slushies. It wasn't face painting, though it was fun to get painted with a skull.  It definitely wasn't all those exhibit things that all the adults seem to like.

Nope! My favorite part of the Orange County Fair was Thursday.  Why Thursday? Because it was $1 ride and game day, and Mom brought me every Thursday so that I could ride lots of rides and play lots of games.  The first Thursday, we even rode the water ride, like Splash Mountain.  Mom didn't think we would get that wet based on the other people she saw coming off the ride.  Boy was she wrong.  I got wet, but she got completely soaked.  She was carrying two of her cameras, and boy was she not happy!  For some reason, she wouldn't take me on that one again.

One day I even got to go with two of my cousins, Ellie and Melanie.  That was a lot of fun.  They took me on rides and gave me game tickets and slushy lemonades.  Did I mention I really like my cousins?

What did my brother think about the Orange County Fair?  He was a little scared of the animals, though he thought they were kind of cool for a while.  He didn't get to go on any rides because he's not old enough; I think he can go on them next year.  I think what he liked best was just getting to see so many different, new things.

Oh, I forgot!  My absolute best thing about the Orange County Fair this year was that the last Thursday I saw my friend Joel there, and we got to ride in the really fast ride that goes around in circles and the bumper cars, and we got to have lunch.  I think that was my favorite.

So, if you didn't get to go to the Orange County Fair this year, see if your mom can get the Super Pass for next year and make sure she takes you on Thursday so you can ride lots of rides and play lots of games.  Hope I see you next year at the Orange County Fair.

P.P.S.  Mom, what's a retrospective?

Looking for things to do in the Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach area? See:

Laura's Beach Boutique - the Ideal Place for the Perfect Bikini

Market Broiler - Great Huntington Beach Seafood Restaurant

 Chicago Rib Company - Huntington Beach Restaurant

Costa Mesa Omelette Parlor - A Local Favorite

Fun Things for Kids in the Newport Mesa Area: The Balboa Fun Zone

The Newport Wedge - Body Surfing Hotspot

Top 5 Things to Do in Newport Mesa

A Four-Year Old's Perspective on the Orange County Fair

Fun, Free or Near Free Things to Do in and Around Costa Mesa

Interested in learning about different areas of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach? See:

Eastside Costa Mesa homes            Westbluff Costa Mesa homes

Newport Shores homes                    Mesa Verde Costa Mesa homes

Santa Ana Heights homes               Newport Peninsula homes

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About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

For more information on Costa Mesa homes or the value of a particular home please visit Costa Mesa home values

Click for a free list of Orange County foreclosures or a free list of Orange County short sales or e-mail Me! 

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to discuss your options.

Want to buy a home or to list your property for sale in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach or Orange County? Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale. Copyright © 2009 by Christine Donovan, All Rights Reserved. The 2009 Orange County Fair - A 5 Year Old's Pictorial Retrospective.

The 2009 Orange County Fair kicks off this Friday.

As a special promotion, for the first hour of the Orange County Fair, from noon to 1:00 pm, both admission and parking will be free. So if you're looking to enjoy the Fair at a great price, make sure you take advantage of this and get there early.

Wondering what the Orange County Fair is all about? See A Four Year Old's Perspective on the Orange County Fair.

Costa Mesa Cattle Drive

See you at the Fair!

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About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

For more information, please visit Costa Mesa real estate. For more information on Costa Mesa homes or the value of a particular home please visit Costa Mesa home values

Click for a free list of Orange County foreclosures or a free list of Orange County short sales or e-mail Me!

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to discuss your options.

Want to buy a home or to list your property for sale in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach or Orange County? Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale. Copyright © 2009 by Christine Donovan, All Rights Reserved. Orange County Fair Begins this Friday - Free Parking and Admission for First Hour.

The Super Pass allows access to the entire Fair for one price if purchased by June 28, 2009.  The pass is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (60+) and $15 for children 6 to 12. 

The Orange County Fair runs this year from July 10 to August 9.

For more information see Super Pass.

Curious to see what the Fair is all about, check out A Four Year Old's Perspective on the Orange County Fair.

See you at the Fair!

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Click for a free list of Orange County foreclosures or a free list of Orange County short sales or e-mail Me!

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to discuss your options.

Want to buy a home or to list your property for sale in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach or Orange County? Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale. Copyright © 2009 by Christine Donovan, All Rights Reserved. Remember to Buy Your Orange County Fair Super Pass by June 28.

The Orange County Fair runs this year from July 10 to August 9.

For people who want to enjoy all the Fair has to offer, you may wish to consider the Super Pass.  If purchased by June 28, the Pass is only $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (60+) and $15 for children 6 to 12.

For more information see Super Pass.

For additional information on the fun available at the Fair see A Four Year Old's Perspective on the Orange County Fair.

 See you at the Fair!

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Click for a free list of Orange County foreclosures or a free list of Orange County short sales or e-mail Me!

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to discuss your options.

Want to buy a home or to list your property for sale in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach or Orange County? Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale. Copyright © 2009 by Christine Donovan, All Rights Reserved. Orange County Fair's Super Pass Offers 23 Days of Fun for Only $25.