The OC Fair’s Food Vendors Return After an Uncertain COVID-19 Year Off | Eater LA

"I wandered the sprawling Costa Mesa complex as it came alive after a year of dormancy: rows of yellow and red pop-up food booths, agricultural installations, mechanical rides, midway games, and vendors selling everything from leather cell phone belt clips to fried puffy tacos and Jacuzzis. After near-continuous operation since the 1890s, the fair went mostly virtual last year with drive-thru food and online panels, so seeing kids chasing midway prizes, families seeking ice cream and shade, and soft‑rock bands warming up felt like a genuine revival — even with reduced capacity, public‑health protocols, and 83 food vendors on site this year. The fair still delivers the silly, fun, and outrageous fried-food spectacle (think fried Oreos and outlandish burgers) while reminding me how vital these family-friendly events are to community life; runs Wed–Sun through August 15 with advanced tickets required." - Farley Elliott