Los Angeles County Fair 2010.....Gone But Not To Be Forgotten

Another year another fair. With all of the excitement going into it, I must admit this was a less than impressive year, for several reasons. One reason, the layout has changed dramatically, I used to be able to traverse the fair grounds with my eyes closed, now of course I had to pay full attention to where I made my every step. Things changed so much that I missed a few of my regular stops entirely. I actually missed the livestock this year. Oh, I didn't mention that I only went 5 times this year, and only once alone. Another reason, a whole host of the regulars were not there. One of my most beloved, I guess you would say attractions, in particular, that's the Texas Cinnamon Bun shop. Over the years I made that a must stop on my list, so not having my usual cinnamon bun dampened my enthusiasm to say the least. I also missed the futon group, (actually I never bought one, but I'd hoped one day to). Okay enough whining, let me get to my experience.

Oh say, I just had an epiphany. A good reason for attending the fair is to scope out companies, manufactures, also to find new products, and services introduced to market, maybe some that you've not heard of, or don't know how to find on your on. I actually have found items and, services over the years that I still use today. I also use the fair for a wish list, It's like this, even though I don't buy right away I retain their information, and order later. I've done this on several occasions, I'll explain later.

Over the years I've frequented several vendors, some buying and others just to see what's new. One of my favorites is a collection of natural clothes of pure cotton. The company Aries and Taurus of Brea, CA, USA. For anyone that appreciates natural cotton fibers this is truly a find. This year they have a whole new collection, but to my consternation I'm unable to update my wardrobe at this time, but as I stated I still have their information and that's how the fair helps.

A few years ago I began eying the outdoor kitchens at the fair and joy of joys I later bought one. I bought mine from a company called Bull. Prior to seeing them at the fair I'd never seen them, (see how the fair helps vendors and customers alike). Due to the declining economy they've come down in price and are more affordable than before.

Speaking of the fair being a place of discovery, I just saw a new product this year that I plan to purchase later. It's called a Table In A Bag. You know It's like those chairs in a bag. As I attend a lot of outdoor events this is something that will come in handy.

Oh yes, I met, and or reconnected with, some very nice vendors. I saw my friend Charlene, of Starfibers, and of course I bought something (see photo). I reconnected with one of my favorites, Flagstaff Traders. I was so mesmerized by their collection of stones, and the matriarch is so knowledgeable that I was transfixed just listening to her explain the origin of these stones. I hope one day to acquire a collection of these stones, (see photos). I also met a very nice young man, Brian (anyone under 60 is young to me), that worked for a home remodeling company, (Pacific Hm Remodeling, (see photo). The reason this company caught my eye is because they sell and install a type of replacement windows that I installed in my home. They're called "magic windows." I like them because when your windows are closed you don't see the screen, thereby allowing more light into you room. As I said, I love, love mine. Oops, I sound like an ad for the company, LOL.

As always, I had my customary turkey leg and curly fries, during each visit, I don't normally eat fries, but I don't know what it is, at the fair they just taste different. This year I did something different, I tried some of the fried things, I had a fried Eskimo pie, (didn't like). I also had a fried Oreo and Twinkie, both of which I did like, but only at the fair, these are things, like the curly fries, that are relegated to being eaten at the fair, so next year I'll have them again. What was most disappointing, I did not have my usual cinnamon bun, because they weren't there, so that left me with a hole in my, usually, counted as completed fair attendance, in other words I don't feel as if I've completed the fair this year. Anyway, because I'm on a diet, (actually, I'm perpetually on a diet these days), I didn't eat as much as I usually do, as a matter of fact, I only had a funnel cake once during the whole fair. Well, so much for my eating history, which I won't see the likes of again until next year.

I hope you enjoyed, vicariously, my trip to the fair this year.  Keep in mind as your unofficial ambassador, for the Los Angeles County Fair, (as I'm commonly known among my friends), you're cordially invited to the 2011 Los Angeles Fair, and I will gladly be your tour guide.