For $15, food lovers can enjoy the Hucowamongous Burger, a tower of three half-pound beef patties.
Surf bands will appear nightly on the Main Mall Stage.
The fair introduces the Family Fair Way, which features the Kiddie Carnival, Kids Park, elephant rides and Cowabunga Beach, where families can enjoy contests, entertainment and crafts.
The fair welcomes back "Weird Al" Yankovic, who will perform daily at 8 p.m. from July 17 to 21, "Orange Crush" Demolition Derby and the stars of Mexican freestyle wrestling for Lucha Libre.
"Weird Al's show is highly entertaining, very funny and very accessible to families," said Steve Beazley, senior vice president of the fair.
Willie Nelson is set to perform at the Pacific Amphitheatre tonight; Earth, Wind & Fire on Sunday; and Fergie on Aug. 3.
Also new to the fair is Hungarian artist Ferenc Cako, who will present his sand animation nightly at 8:15 and 10 p.m. on the Plaza Arts Stage.
— Jessie Brunner
FOR YOUR INFO
Schedule
The fair runs today through Aug. 5. It is open noon to midnight Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturdays and Sundays, and is closed Mondays. The Orange County Fair & Exposition Center is at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.
Admission
General admission is $8; tickets are $6 for seniors, $4 for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under.
Special Deals
Today: Admission and parking are free from noon to 1 p.m.; all active-duty military, law enforcement and fire personnel with valid ID receive free admission for two from 1 to 6 p.m.
July 18: Free admission from noon to 6 p.m. for anyone who donates five nonperishable food items.
Aug. 1: Free admission and carnival ride from noon to 6 p.m. with the donation of one new children's book or three used children's books.
Tuesdays: Kids 12 and under are admitted free all day.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Guests receive unlimited carnival rides with the purchase of a $20 wristband.
