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Arts & Entertainment

Orange County Fair Opens With Bob Dylan

Day 1 of the OC Fair provides fun and fascination.

The Orange County fair opened Friday with great weather and great events to the appreciation of everyone in attendance. We are looking forward to a month of fun, and in addition to the main attraction, last night we got a sample of fair goodies. It’s hard to find bad food, and we were not disappointed with the barbecue chicken or the traditional turkey legs. Fried Kool Aid and fabulous funnel cake tempted from every corner.

We know that the fair is a double bonus in the entertainment department. We love the live music at the various venues within the fairgrounds, so we always get our tickets early and plan to arrive a few hours before the start of the concerts to get a little taste of the fair. The entertainment lineup for this year is stellar, and tickets are available at very reasonable prices..

Orange County was honored to host a rock star legend when Bob Dylan took the stage Friday night. His wraspy voice delivered melody and lyrics to such classics as “The Times They Are a-Changin’” and “Like a Rolling Stone.” The audience danced to the classics, as they knew they were experiencing a moment with greatness, and “Blowin’ in the Wind” had everyone on their feet. The classic was presented with a new arrangement, but the time-honored messages of his poetry are as meaningful as when students around the world chanted the lyrics in the '60s and '70s.

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One dancing fan, decked out in tie-dye, provided a step back in time from his seat in the audience. By his appearance and enthusiasm, one would guess that he was reliving something big. He entertained and he annoyed those around him, but one thing was clear: This was a show he would never forget. And that is what the fair is all about: providing people with enriching experiences.

At other fair stages, The Peking Acrobats performed to big crowds and dueling pianos amazed and entertained. We marveled at the Chinese women’s foot dexterity as they juggled large drums to the beat of the music. The dueling pianos are no threat to the famous duels at Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans, but their musical selections seemed to please the crowd as many walked the aisles singing along. Both acts perform daily.

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Take the free shuttle from the lot on Anton to save yourself time and $7. And speaking of bargains, check these out:

Every Friday
Let’s Eat for $2 – Taste of Fair Foods
Enjoy tasty Fair food at the 2011 OC Fair for only $2 a sample. Valid Noon-4 p.m.

Every Wednesday and Thursday
$25 Unlimited Ride Wristband and $2 Games
Sold until 5 p.m. Valid until 8 p.m.

Every Friday
$2 Rides and $2 Games
All rides and games are $2 each. Until 4 p.m.

Nightly
Pacific Amphitheatre & RCS Ticket Bounce-Back
One free ride on La Grande Wheel in the Main Midway with each concert ticket stub. Valid night of the concert only.

Just for Kids
Read & Ride
Children ages 5 to 11 who read at least two books and submit onsite a completed OC Fair Read & Ride Book Report Form (available online at ocfair.com) will receive three free carnival rides.

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