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The Los Angeles County Fair is here until October 4th in nearby Pomona. If you're willing to venture fifteen minutes from campus, you’ll find the best thrills the Inland Empire has to offer. Admission to the fair is $12 on weekdays and $17 on weekends. Before you go make sure to check www.lacountyfair.com for special deals like half price on Dodger Day and free admission for students of the Claremont Colleges on September 24th. Other than horse racing, deep fried pickles, the world’s largest mobile grill, and a slew of classic rides, the fair is hosting an end of summer concert series featuring everyone from the Beach Boys to Jessica Simpson. Tickets to the shows range in price from $18.50 for the nosebleed section to $125 for stage side seats. If you’re willing to wait in line the day of a show, the fair hands out a limited number of free tickets. Don’t be afraid to sit in the back section, the venue isn’t that big, and pretty much everyone has a good view of the stage. Follow the fair on Twitter @lacountyfair. Sometimes you can get upgraded seats or free stuff for correct answers to trivia questions. Although it’s too late to see Peter Frampton and Kansas, you can still catch the Mariachi USA Fiesta (complete with a fireworks finale), Pat Benatar with Berlin, Donna Summer, Ciara, the Beach Boys, and special motocross and demolition derby events.
This fair has the most carnival rides in the nation, including the largest mobile Ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere. The rides can get pretty pricey, so try and go on a Wednesday, when you can get fair admission and an unlimited ride pass for $20.
All in all, the fair is a great way to see a wide assortment of crazy, kitschy things and people without having to drive very far. If you’re still not convinced, just think of all the fun(nel cake) you’ll have checking out the Budweiser Clydesdale horses and acting like a kid again.