Concerts, contests and kettle corn

It’s back! The San Diego County Fair held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds has been touted as one of the best in the state for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is the stellar line-up of entertainment featured each year. People have come to expect the best and the large crowds are evidence that the best is what they get.

The Solid Gold Showcase is a midday series of concerts aimed at the “young at heart,” i.e .: the Baby Boomers. Many of them who are in their sixties now will remember the Diamonds, who were popular in the 1950s. This group was in concert on June 14 and sang several of the first rock ’n roll hits, including their own, “Little Darlin.’” They exhibited an incredible amount of energy and their voices were still strong and harmonious. Upcoming concerts are Gary U.S. Bonds on June 21 and The Surfaris on June 28. All Solid Gold concerts are held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Saturday, June 16, REO Speedwagon, a classic rock group from the seventies, was in concert on the Grandstand Stage. Playing to a mixed audience of old and new fans, they generated an enthusiastic response. When they performed their hit song “Can’t Fight this Feeling,” the audience sang so loud it reverberated throughout the grandstand seating. Check out the fair Web site for further concerts, including the following paid shows (requires an extra ticket): LeAnn Rimes – June 27; Earth, Wind & Fire – June 26; and the Ninth Annual Viva El Mariachi! Festival on June 24, which is a free show with paid admission.

Patty Rook, who traveled to the fair for the concert from her home in Laguna Woods, said that she is always excited about the entertainment lineup and has attended several concerts in the past. “The entertainment is always better than our fair,” she said.

Of course, the fair is not all entertainment; there are the 4-H, FFA and Grange animal competitions. The youth work for months to prepare for the highly competitive Showmanship events.

Each year several of our area residents compete in the contests, including photography, art, woodworking, Kid’s Best and more.

Think that your chances for winning a fair contest this year are over? Check out the One-Day Contests. There are contests for adults and children alike. For instance, participants must be 18 or over to participate in the Jalapeño Pepper Eating Contest to see who can eat the most peppers. “Ribbons for the winners; antacids for all,” reads the promotion. This contest will be held July 2 at 1 p.m. on the Plaza Stage.

On the other end of the spectrum, a contest just for kids is the Bubble Gum Blowing Contest, which will be held at noon on the Plaza Stage June 26 and July 3.

Mark your calendars for the VIP Demolition Derby, which will take place on June 30 at 1 and 5 p.m. The Village News will again have their own Joe “Knightrider” Naiman, County Correspondent, driving in the race. Last year was his first attempt and, driving a 1989 Cadillac El Dorado, Naiman placed third.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Fair Food. Some fair visitors think that fair food should be the one of the basic food groups. “Food just tastes better here,” said Carol Brent of La Mesa. “There is food here you can’t get anywhere else.”

Doug Rook of Laguna Woods agreed. He has tried for years to make kettle corn the way they do at the fair. “I almost have it down,” he said. “Someone could make some good money if they opened a mall with a ‘Fair Food Court,’” he mused.

The fair continues through July 4; however, it will be closed for the day on June 25. For further fair information access the Web site http://www.sdfair.com.