Noaki Schwartz
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first of our season-long series of "Summer
Stories." They will run every Friday in the Daily Pilot.
The skies have cleared, temperatures are rising and soon summer will
officially kick off with the start of the area's annual events.
Along with the weather changes, Newport Beach transforms from a little
seaside boating community to a full-blown beach resort and destination
for tourists looking for that little slice of Southern California.
There are a number of annual summer events that define Newport-Mesa and
are not to be missed. This year, in addition to the traditional
festivities like the annual Orange County Fair or the Newport Dunes
Fireworks Show, there are also some new ones like RASL Dazzle -- an arts
and crafts fair at Mariners Park.
ORANGE COUNTY FAIR
For children like Colby Reed and his sister, Teal, the real summer fun
starts with the fair.
"We pretty much go every day," said Colby, 13, an admitted game addict.
"It's got rides, exhibits, contest and booths. It's a fun thing to hang
out at."
Teal, 10, readily agreed.
"I like the livestock," she said. "The chickens, goats, pigs and rabbits
-- but my favorites are the rats. I've had a lot of them before. They're
nice and live long."
The fair's theme this year is "Hot!Hot!Hot! We're Spicin' It Up." The
mascot of smiling chilis reflects the theme of the 108th annual event and
will emphasize how the flavors and textures of peppers are appreciated in
all cultures.
The theme will carry through in exhibits, contests and food. While chili
may be great for some, Colby and Teal plan on sticking to their fair
favorites -- corn on the cob, cinnamonrolls and Orange Julius drinks.
The best time to go the fair, said Colby, is at night. This year's free
entertainment includes Rick Springfield, Charo and Jose Feliciano and the
Electric Light Orchestra II.
"It's fun to see all the carnies," Colby added. "I volunteered once as a
rodeo clown for the mechanical bull. I got free rides on the mechanical
bull until I pulled a groin muscle."
The fair runs July 14-30.
DUNES FIREWORKS
One of the biggest events in Newport is, without a doubt, the Dunes
Fourth of July fireworks show and celebration. The show will feature
scores of red, blue, green and silver chrysanthemums blooming across the
sky.
There will also be a waterfall of fire and comets that will soar over the
Back Bay.
"It's really fantastic," said Dunes owner Tim Quinn. "They shoot right
over the lagoon."
