Big Summer Events in the Los Angeles Area 2009

This summer is smoking with some of the hottest festivals in the Southland. Tickets are available at the doors for these annual events that you don't want to miss.

1. The Irish Fair, located at Irvine Meadows Fairground, 8800 Irvine Center Drive
Sat and Sun June 20 -21, 2009
10am to 7pm
www.irishfair.org

This year's Irish Fair is to be held on Father's Day weekend. What better gift that to take dad for a day out with lively Irish music and dance complimented with traditional Irish beer. Advance tickets are available on the website for $18 for adults, one day pass. The two-day pass is $28. Students are $15, and seniors just $12, and children 12 and under are free.

The fair is home to Irish music, jigs, and hundreds of shops for hand-crafted items and Irish imports such as Beleek and Waterford Crystal. Walk-up food service windows supply traditional Irish food such as pastries, meat pies, Irish breads and more.

The athletic field is host to ancient Celtic hurling sports and rounds of Gaelic football. Nearby the field, this year's fair will host hundreds of artists selling their canvas works in an Ireland-related theme. For the kids, try the Leprechaun Kingdom for a Blarney Castle balloon jump, red-haired kid's contest, Irish baby contest, costumed storytellers, pony rides, games and more.

Other events include the De Lorean motorcar exhibition, as the De Lorean company was headquarted in Northern Ireland. For dog lovers, come see the parade of Irish-breeds to inlcude the Wolfhound, Setter, Water Spanials and more. On Saturday, there will be a harp competition, and both Saturday and Sunday, enjoy the harp exhibitions. This year, instead of Guiness beer, the fair is proud to serve traditional Irish beer made in America. The Bare Knuckle Irish Stout Company was founded by Irish-born John D. McGurk and manufactured in St. Louis. The flavor is fresher than Guiness and Beamers and sure to be a hit. And, perhaps the most popular of events is the Irish dance competition and displays, which will be ongoing the entire weekend. In addition to the dance,the music never stops from some of the top internationally acclaimed Irish bands, bagpipers and fiddlers. Featured guest artists include The Fenians, Dublin 4, and Sligo Rags. In addition to the professional music, the fair will host a fiddle competition. To participate in the contest, you may register your application on the website.

2. Dana Point Marina Boat Show, located at 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point, Ca 92629
Thursday and Friday , May 28 and 29 12noon to 7pm
Saturday, May 30, 10am to 7pm, Sunday May 31 10am to 5pm
www.danaboatshow.com

This year's Boat Show is offering special discounts for patrons visiting on Friday with a $1 sale on admission, hot dogs, soda and popcorn. General admission for the rest of the days is $12 for adults and children under 12 are free. New and used boats will be on display both in and out of the water with a great selection of power and sail vessels from Albemarle, Baja, Cenczi, East Bay, Egg Harbor, Formula, Grand Banks, Island Packet, Mediterranean, Mikelson, Mustang, Nordhaven, Ocean, Pacific Sea Craft, Pursuit, Riviera, Tiara, Viking and more. In addition to boat sales, top name-brand sponsors will have on display apparel, jewelery, food and beverage, educational materials, fishing gear, marina information, marine services and yacht brokers offering fractional ownerships.

For additional savings, visit the website and print your own $3.00 discount coupon to present at the door. Parking is free and plentiful and you may also register online in a contest to win 100 free admission tickets. Delicious food specialties will be provided by this year's official sponsor, Hennessey's Tavern. Come for the day to one of California's most beautiful marinas for food, drink, and fantastic savings on your new watercraft and accessoroies.

3. Orange County Fair, located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa mesa, Ca 92626
Telephone: (714) 708-FAIR 93247) for recorded information.
July 10 through August 9, 2009
Wednesday - Friday, noon to midnight
Saturday and Sunday, 10am to midnight
Closed Monday and Tuesday

The Orange County Fair sells tickets at the door for $10 general admission, seniors at $7, and children at $5. For additional savings, the fair offers one free admission ticket to patrons who bring 5 canned good items for the Harvest Food Bank, or 1 children's book for readers aged 5 through 9 years old, to be donated to the Los Angeles Times Reading Program. Parking fees are $5 for an all day park, and buses are charged $10. For additional parking, The Experian Parking Structure is open and will provide you with free shuttle service to the fairgrounds.

This year's event is host to OC largest venue of carnival rides, live stock exhibitions, fair food and shopping mall. You may also wish to visit the Wine Courtyard exhibition for a free sampling of California wines and educational lectures. Discount shopping can be found at the Fair's Market Place Village for swapmeet venders to include produce, home furnishings, clothing and more. The Orange County Fair is the Southland's biggest summer event with the best quality carnival rides for all ages.