Labor Day weekend signifies the last hurrah of summer for many Claremont folks and while some residents may gather around the grill with family and friends, others around town will be putting on their stretchy pants and walking shoes to head over to the Pomona Fairplex for another annual tradition—the Los Angeles County Fair.

Now in its 93^rd year, the 2015 Los Angeles County Fair (LACF) festivities will kick-off Friday, September 4 and will culminate into more than three weeks of fun and gluttony for guests who enter the gates in search of the latest mind-blowing fair food west of the Mississippi.

Preparations were well underway this past Wednesday, as nearly 100 vendors got ready to dazzle fairgoers with their crazy culinary creations. Whether you’re into ooey-gooey, barbecued, deep-fried or healthy, the 2015 Los Angeles County Fair is a gastronomical playground that has something for everyone.

Never one to disappoint with his creations, Charles “Chicken Charlie” Boghosian debuted his newest concoctions—Deep-fried Guacamole and Bacon Chicken and Waffles. Served with ranch dressing, the avocado-licious ball-of-battered goodness seems to be the favorite among guests.

“The Deep-Fried Guacamole could be the next Los Angeles County Fair classic,” Mr. Boghosian said of his latest creation. “The LA County Fair takes its food very seriously, so we knew we wanted something amazing. Since Angelenos love their chicken and waffles, a deep-fried, bacon-wrapped version seemed like a no-brainer.”

Previous Chicken Charlie creations such as the Deep-Fried Peanut Butter Pickle and the ironic Deep-fried Slim Fast Bar are also on the menu, as well as the best-selling fair food item of all time, the Krispy Kreme Triple-Decker Cheeseburger.

Cornocopia Foods pushes the food boundaries this year with their Spicy PB&J Burger, a hotter, meater version of the classic American food with the addition of Sriracha sauce.

For those seeking a healthier alternative, San Dimas-based eatery “Twisted Sage” is making their fair debut this year and offers some delicious options. Located on the shady patio of the Millard Sheets Building, guests can enjoy fresh fare like a Curried Chicken Sandwich served on a croissant or an Apple and Goat Cheese Chicken Salad that is both light and full of flavor.

“We’re excited to bring a fresh, healthy alternative to the traditional fair food,” says Twisted Sage chef and manager Jolyn Thompson.

Fairgoers searching for something cool and refreshing to drink will find it at Ricco’s. Their all-natural Michelaguas come in flavors such as pineapple-spinach, lemon-cucumber and mango. Try the pineapple-spinach. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

All Claremont residents are invited to Claremont Day at the Los Angeles County Fair on Thursday, September 17. Claremont community members have planned a day that will include a Business Expo, Community Day parade, high school marching band competition and the Community Hero awards ceremony. The fair will be open from noon to 11 p.m. on Thursday and admission for Claremont residents will be $5. Purchase tickets online at www.lacf.com/buytickets using promo code: claremont or pick up a discount coupon at Claremont City Hall and present it to the admission gate upon your arrival. Proceeds benefit the Claremont Big Yellow Bus Program.

Admission & Hours

When: Friday, September 4 through September 27, 2015. Closed Monday and Tuesday except for Labor Day.

Opening weekend hours: Noon to midnight today; 10 a.m.- midnight on Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Monday.

General hours: Wednesdays – Noon – 10 p.m.; Thursdays – Noon – 11 p.m.; Fridays – Noon – Midnight; Saturdays – 10 a.m. – Midnight; Sundays – 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Where: Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona.

General Admission Tickets: $12 weekdays; $20 weekends. Children 6-12 are $8, seniors 60 and older on weekdays are $10, $15 on weekends. Luminasia requires an additional $5 fee for ages 6 an up; children ages 5 and under are free.

For more information, visit the 2015 Los Angeles County Fair website at www.lacountyfair.com

—Angela Bailey

news@claremont-courier.com