Bacon-Wrapped, Deep-Fried or Chocolate-Covered Cravings? OC Fair is here to Help!

There is something about the fair that makes you want to splurge on impossible carnival games, get dizzy on spinning rides and eat the most unhealthy food imaginable! Don't fret - the 2012 OC Fair will not disappoint! 

I recently spent a day at the OC Fair and decided to go all-out and give fair food a try. I have to admit, it was pretty fun seeking out the most outrageous food items. Here's my account of must-try foods at this year’s OC Fair, which runs July 13 through August 12, every Wednesday through Sunday. 

Just by walking around the fairgrounds for a few minutes, you get the idea that everyday foods are turned into a glutenous experience; it seems that everything is deep-fried, bacon-wrapped and/or made with beef, pork or more beef. You can get a pork chop on a stick, 10-pound stuffed sourdough bun,  footlong corn dog, two-pound beef rib, chocolate covered bacon and of course, funnel cake.  

First thing's first, I HAD to get a grilled turkey leg. I went for the regular turkey leg (just like they serve at Disneyland), but if you are feeling extra adventurous, go to the Bacon-A-Fair booth and get the bacon-wrapped turkey leg also known as the Caveman Club! This turkey leg is wrapped in one pound of bacon and slow-cooked over the grill. 

Then, I had to try a Baby Ruth-stuffed, deep-fried jalapeno, served on top of a basket of churros. It sounds way cooler than it looks, but it was actually one of the tastiest things I ate all day. Charlie’s Chicken’s food stand is worthy of a mention- everything they serve is deep-fried! They have everything from deep-fried frog legs, Twinkies and Oreos to deep-fried pickles, Kool-Aid and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!  I went for the deep fried s’mores and deep fried Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. The deep-fried cereal wasn’t nearly as good as it sounds but the deep-fried s’mores were pretty tasty and super sweet. 

It was a ton of fun trying new things but after a day of fair food splurging, all I really wanted was a salad... or Pepto Bismol on a stick (someone should start serving that). Luckily, there are also many places that serve healthier options like vegetable and chicken kabobs, roasted corn, tacos and a variety of salads. Whatever you choose to experience at the OC Fair this year, a good time is sure to be had! Learn more about the OC Fair and view the schedule of events at ocfair.com.