A special exhibit, “Things That Make My Face Say Cheese,” features the photographic work of six children ages 8 to 14 who are fighting cancer.
Whey cool
From July 22 to Aug. 3 in the Livestock Area, celebrity food sculptor Jim Victor will create works of cheese art at the California Cheese-A-Fair.
The area will also include information on cheese production, cheese pairing, cheese-themed contests and crafts, milk-producing livestock, cheese demonstrations and an ask-the-cheese-expert area.
Taiko show
Fairgoers will be treated to near-daily performances by the TAIKOPROJECT daily at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m., except this Saturday and Sunday, when Kinnara Taiko will perform.
TAIKOPROJECT is an ensemble of premier taiko drummers.
The group incorporates traditional taiko styles with unconventional and innovative techniques that expand upon the Japanese tradition.
Mobile warming
South Coast Repertory will trek to the fair at 1 and 4 p.m. daily to present “You’re Getting Warmer,” a family play about energy conservation and global warming, on the Fun Zone Stage.
A boy named Alex, living in a family of energy hogs, is startled to find a polar bear in his basement.
He and the bear have to figure out why the North Pole has changed, and how to help save energy.
Cattle, cattle everywhere
The OC Fair Cattle Drive will be July 26, when about 300 steers and more than 100 horseback riders will parade from Fairview Park to the fairgrounds.
Paying tribute
Local amateur and professional performers will perform on the Main Mall Stage, including tribute bands that embody the Eagles, Van Halen, Jimmy Buffett, and Bruce Spingsteen.
Other acts include Latin music on weekends and a hypnotist.
IF YOU GO
WHO: OC Fair
WHAT: “Say Cheese!” 2008 fair
WHEN: July 11 to Aug. 3. Noon to midnight Tuesday to Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday; closed Mondays.
WHERE: OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
COST: General $9; seniors 60+ $7; children 6 to 12 $5; children 5 and under free. Parking $5 to $10.
INFORMATION: (714) 708-1500 or ocfair.com.
SPECIALS
OPENING DAY FREE HOUR: Enter between noon and 1 p.m. Friday for free admission.
SALUTE TO HEROES: Active duty military, law enforcement and firefighters get in for free, with one guest, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
KIDS DAYS: Children 12 and under are admitted free all day Tuesday, and July 22 and 29.
