The OC Fair is currently in its 135th year, offering exhibits, competitions, entertainment options, and, of course, a wide selection of food. The fair runs from July 18 through August 17 so there’s plenty of time to visit! We had the opportunity to taste a sampling of offerings with Fun Biz, a family-owned establishment operated by Nate and Stephanie Janousek, who travel around the country with their children. Fun Biz emphasizes local sourcing, and at the OC Fair they are proudly presenting produce and meats from California. All items are refrigerated rather than frozen, showcasing a commitment to freshness. Fairgoers can observe the food preparation as grills are placed at the forefront.
We explored the two Fun Biz stands, conveniently located in the Family Fairway section (marked in green on the map) of the fair.
Our initial stop was at Spud Ranch, where I eagerly anticipated the Twister Tater, seasoned with sea salt. This delightful treat is slightly crispy and well-seasoned, perfect for sharing or if you are like me, not share, and is available as a $5 Taste of Fair item—a recommendation for those seeking a smaller portion. Additionally, we sampled the new Pizza Potato, a fusion of half pizza and half potato. I chose the Pepperoni Pizza Potato, which was both hearty and delicious.
Fun Biz’s second stand is Bacon Nation, I had the pleasure of trying the new Pulled Pork Bacon-Wrapped Burrito, which is sizable enough to share. The Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog, is loaded with onions and toppings and is sure to please families and this is also a $5 Taste of Fair item, ideal for budget-conscious visitors. My favorite selection was the Award-Winning Candied Pork Belly Bites, which combined crispy candied bacon with tender pork belly, a delightful pairing that my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed.
Lastly, we were treated to a new item to Fun Biz, the Cotton-Candy Wrapped Bacon. Initially skeptical, I found the combination fun. Fair food encourages adventurous eating, and this unique blend of sweet cotton candy, salty bacon, and a hidden savory pork belly bite made for a unique culinary experience. I would suggest the vendor integrates the bacon into the cotton candy rather than simply topping it, ensuring each bite includes bacon and preventing it from falling off.
Overall, our tasting experience with Fun Biz was delightful, and during our tour we were surprised with a look at how the fair prizes are produced. In a secured area we witnessed the assembly of stuffed animals on-site, while we explored a massize sized maze of boxed/bagged plush items. This behind-the-scenes moment also had us visit the industrial sized “build-a-bear” type machines!
The OC Fair also offers a ton of games and rides, are with this year including larger and better than ever rides and “teched-up” games ensuring attendees will indeed “Find Their Happy” at the OC Fair this year.
