Ventura County Fair

August 4, 2004

Today was the first day of the Ventura County Fair, which runs until August 15. It's a tradition for the county, of coarse, but also for my wife and I, and our ever growing family.

We first went shortly after we were married, parking at Ventura High, which was close to the house we were about to close escrow on. We boarded the school bus that served as the fair shuttle, and I remember thinking we'd be able to walk there next year.

The next year we did, with our infant son in tow. Since then, our family has expanded to include our daughter, and every year, save the first, we commemorate our growing family with a picture at the gate. It's cheesy, but isn't that what families are supposed to do?

When my son was a little over a year, we rode the small Ferris wheel by the gate. Every time he moved, it rocked the whole car, and I was terrified that he would find some way to wiggle out before I could catch him. It was one of those moments when a parent realizes that they would do anything to protect the life of their child. But he loved the ride, and I relaxed enough to watch the surf in the distance.

This year I rode with both my children, and listened to them both go "Wow" every time the wheel made it's revolution. I pointed out their mom, taking pictures at the bottom and the surf in the distance, as I have for many years now.

I love eating at the fair, which I did in abundance. The barbecued corn by the Seaside club is a particular favorite. Sweet and tender, buttered and with salt, pepper and parmesan cheese, it is something I've never been able to duplicate. My wife is particularly fond of the udon noodles from the Oxnard Buddhist Temple, and we have them every year.

I tried a different barbecue place for a tri-tip sandwich, and was unimpressed. I've eaten at others through the years, and felt the same. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't any better than I do on my own grill. (See my Barbecue Tips page). The fudge was good, and sold throughout the fair. Also, the almonds sold across from the KHAY booth were excellent, especially when hot.

The booth which my kids most enjoyed was the National Parks one. Plenty of stickers and pins, my kids walked out looking like poster children for the park service.

My 5 year old son and I signed up for the balloon toss. We were among the first out, my son firing the balloon at me causing an explosion, but he got a ribbon so he was happy. My kids also enjoy the Alaskan Racing Pigs, which we see every year.

Both my kids were picked during the "Mad Science, the Science Behind the Movies" show, and were both featured in the finished movie. I thought my son was excellent as Rocky, and my daughter a great foley artist, but it could be parents pride. It was a spirited show, though, and everyone who watched it seemed to enjoy it.

We didn't buy anything from the exotic flower people, or any of the vendors, but we checked 'em all out anyway.

The Fair is a good thing. The weather's never to hot, the whole fair can be covered in a few hours, and the food is always good. Every year we do a little more. Plus we always take a good picture at the door.

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