A sweaty day spent at the L.A. County Fair is one of my favorite summertime rituals (see previous shenanigans: here, here, here, and here). There’s something about cruising the expansive grounds, perusing blue ribbons, cheering on the pig races, and indulging in deep-fried delights that never ever gets old. This year, my best friend from college Liana traveled from Hawaii to check out the festivities along with The Astronomer, June, and me.

We started the day with a peaceful ride on the Ferris wheel. June was too short to ride it last year, but she met the height requirements this time around.

Following the ride, we got down to business. The truest gastronomic pleasure at the fair is found at Juicy’s. Crisp, golden, and measuring over a foot tall, the jumbo corndog never fails to turn a few heads and totally satisfy.

Around noon, a parade marched into town throwing beads and bringing good cheer.

As we watched the parade, The Astronomer and June shared the “Chicken in the Waffle on a Stick” for lunch. A bit of maple-flavored high-fructose corn syrup added the finishing touch.

Liana could not resist the bacon-wrapped pork belly for her first bite of the day. The taste I stole was crisp, smoky, and rich.

Following our heavy lunches, we snuck into the Millard Sheets Art Center to explore an exhibit called Shifting Aesthetics, which featured a selection of works from 11 contemporary local artists including Charles Snowden’s “Empty Hugs.”

Artist Patrick Martinez‘s food-related series made from neon and plexiglass were superb. I especially liked the one called “Fresh Produce.”

After taking in some art, June was ready to try out bumper cars for the first time.

Go, Junie, go!

On our way to the pig races, Liana paid a visit to Chicken Charlie’s garish booth for deep-fried bacon-wrapped pickles. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but quite enjoyed its tangy profile.

Go, piggies, go!

Liana surprised us all with a limoncello cannoli snack.

I went for a cup of tried and true Dippin’ Dots for my afternoon pick-me-up.

June spent some time in the petting zoo.

The Astronomer, June, and I shared a gigantic bacon maple doughnut from the Texas Donut stand for our final bite of the day. Along with Juicy’s jumbo corndog, this is a must-eat delicacy for me every year. Mmmm!

Liana selected the unicorn elote for her final bite of the day. She said it was really, really good.

This is what summer memories are made of.

The L.A. County Fair is in town until September 22. Check out the complete set of photos via Flickr.

—

One year ago: Mr. Champion – Arcadia
Two years ago: 2017 L.A. County Fair
Three years ago: Chim! Thai Street Food – Pasadena
Four years ago: Pok Pok Phat Thai – Chinatown
Five years ago: Union – Pasadena
Six years ago: Lay’s Spicy Green Peppercorn Fish Flavor
Seven years ago: Le Chateaubriand – Paris
Eight years ago: L.A. County Fair 2011: Deep-Fried Kool Aid, Indian Fry Bread, Monster Corn Dogs, and More!
Nine years ago: Danger Dogs: Blurring the Line Between Work and Play
Ten years ago: Rosemary Apricot Bars
Eleven years ago: Bún Thịt Nướng & Mít Luộc
Twelve years ago: Wonder – Da Nang
Thirteen years ago: Becco – New York City