Press Release

Budweiser Clydesdales arrive and more this week at the OC Fair


The majestic Budweiser Clydesdales have arrived for their stint at the OC Fair and will parade through the Fairgrounds from 5 to 6 p.m. each evening of the Fair through Aug. 13.

The parade route begins and ends in OC Fair’s Livestock area. Fairgoers will be able to watch the Budweiser Clydesdales – along with the quintessential Dalmatian in the wagon – from anywhere under the Sky Ride (except in front of The Hangar), from the area in between Carnival and the Visual Arts buildings, and from between the Crafters Village/Plaza Pacifica area and the Products buildings.

The Clydesdales will sport intricately designed harnesses and pull the iconic Budweiser wagon. Dubbed the “Ambassadors of Excellence” by Budweiser, the Clydesdale team first became part of the company’s symbol in 1933.

Fun facts: The Budweiser Clydesdales were a gift from August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch to their father in celebration of the repeal of Prohibition. The presentation of the original two six-horse hitches moved father, sons and drivers to tears. The phrase “crying in your beer” was officially coined shortly thereafter.

Lighter Fair fare available for health-conscious Fairgoers

Although calories don’t count at the OC Fair (wink, wink), there are some lighter choices for Fairgoers who have had their fill of funnel cake and fried delights. Here are a few to try:

Salads – There’s a southwest chicken salad at Baja Blues, and Pignotti’s Pasta offers green and antipasto salads.

Fruit – Terri’s Berries has fruit cups and baskets as well as refreshing fruit-based beverages. It may be a bit of a stretch, but there’s also Dole Soft Serve for a frosty pineapple fix.

Drinks – It’s 100% coconut water at the Coco Shack and several stands offer aquas frescas (cool waters) that are made with fruit.

Veggies – Corn comes on the cob or in a cup at the Corn Shack and Brussels sprouts and asparagus are on the grill at Bacon A Fair (but they are wrapped in bacon).

Kabobs and bowls – Several stands feature chicken and veggies on a stick and there is a selection of chicken bowls, some even popped inside a pineapple.

Need something to do besides eat? Here are 5 things to check out this weekend at the OC Fair:

1. Send a postcard to a service member. Heroes Hall, the year-round veterans museum located next to Centennial Farm, is offering Fairgoers a chance to connect with someone who is currently serving our country by sending them a postcard.

2. Hit the rodeo. There are several options for the rodeo-lovin’ fan this weekend. Catch Extreme Rodeo on Friday, Broncs & Bulls on Saturday and Fiesta del Charro on Sunday. Don’t wear red.

3. Celebrate the summer with a little mariachi! At 1 and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6, you can catch Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez perform live in The Hangar. But if you can’t make either of those times, don’t worry: there will be a rebroadcast of the show at 8:30 p.m. playing on the large screens of The Hangar on Sunday evening, free for Fairgoers.

4. There’s plenty more music to enjoy in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre (see pacamp.com for schedule and tickets), but try on something a little different with the Sterling Flute Choir from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Visual Arts building.

5. SPAM! Last but certainly not least, don’t miss the live judging of the Great American SPAM Championship, happening in OC Promenade Culinary Arts at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.