Enjoying the Fun of the 2024 Ventura County Fair

From the funnel cakes to the pig races, enjoying a day at the Ventura County Fair was a fun experience that delighted my inner child

As I drove back from my fantastic experience of lunch after the Butter + Jam Pastry Class at The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn, I noticed the Ventura County Fair was up and running at the Ventura County fairgrounds. As I loved visiting the county fairs growing up during summer vacation in Texas, I loved the idea of going to one – mere steps from the beach in California.

Parking

Parking in Ventura was extremely easy. We found easy metered street parking that allowed me to pay by app. The walk to the Fair was extremely easy. I loved capturing the details along the way.

Arts and Crafts!

If there’s one thing I love, it’s viewing the photography and quilted crafts on display at the Fairs. I love strolling through the vibrant tapestry of carnival lights, savoring classic fair delicacies, and immersing myself in an array of arts and crafts that celebrate regional talent.

Animals!

Nestled in the heart of picturesque Ventura County, California, the Ventura County Fair exudes a timeless charm that transports visitors back to its elegant beginnings in 1874. What I love the most about local Fairs is the blend of nostalgic elegance and contemporary flair. I loved seeing the awards for local animals.

I will say that I always love seeing the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs. They really bring a new meaning to the phrase “when pigs fly”.

Food!

There was so much good food to enjoy! We started with sharing a FUNNEL CAKE topped with strawberries. Then, LOADED FRIES filled us both up. We ended by sharing DOLE WHIP flavors of pineapple and mango.

The Ferris Wheel!

But the peak experience? Taking a ride on the Grand Wheel Ferris Wheel. Being that high up and enjoying the special view of the coastline and all of Ventura reminded me of the gondola rides I’ve experienced at Mammoth Mountain, Glacier 3000 and Vail Mountain. It’s just such a delight to safely see things from a different point of view.

And the other rides looked fun as well.

Ventura County Fair remains an opulent ode to the county’s storied past, while effortlessly embracing the pleasures of modern-day fun. My time at the Ventura County Fair truly felt like a celebration of Ventura’s cultural and agricultural legacy.

I actually think I like it more than the Los Angeles County Fair and the Orange County Fair. Mainly, because it was small and not as overwhelming.

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