Charles Phoenix’s Slide of the Week: Witch of Fruit, LA County Fair, Pomona, CA, 1960

Twin stacks of oranges give scale to this frightening fruit display leaning diagonally against an exhibit hall wall. Dozens more of the number one juice fruit and marmalade main ingredient are wrapped in turquoise tissue surrounding a soaring bat, perched owl, and startling wicked witch with big hands. Her teeth look like apples, her perfectly placed nose mole, a lime. FAIR FAIR WARNING: if you gaze into her eyes too long you may be cast under her spell. LOOK AWAY NOW!

At least I think this is a tissue and fruit collage craft project extravaganza. What else could it be? Whatever it is it’s workin’ for me! Whoever had the good sense to take this slide just barely let us know that the sponsor of this scary display is Pomona Fruit Exchange. The sign is half cut off on the upper right. Considering the fact that, historically speaking, Pomona is the Roman Goddess of fruit; the wicked witch display is an odd choice of motif. But apparently the judges didn’t think so. A blue ribbon hangs on the witch’s left shoulder. Witchipoo is a winner!

Speaking of the Los Angeles County Fair: yes, its that time of year again, fair time. And if you really want an Americana experience of the HIGHEST order I suggest you attend. But attend with purpose because there is a TON to see.

Get to the fair early. Make sure not to miss my among my very faves: the world’s biggest and oldest miniature garden railroad, flower and garden pavilion, fine arts patio, and National Hot Rod Association Museum. Whatever you end up seeing and doing make sure you experience carnival fun zone during the MAGIC HOUR from dusk to darkness. The giant Ferris Wheel is always a great finale. Your Americana spirit will soar!

BUT don’t kill yourself trying to see it ALL in one day because there are just too many attractions. After all this is the absolute LARGEST county fair in this fair land of ours just as it has been since it began in 1922, where it still takes place each year. It’s even larger than most state fairs. Have a grand ol’ time and PLEASE have a BIG bite of every deep-fried-fatty-salty-sugary-fair-food for me! The homemade potato chips are my personal fried fave! Yum, yum, yummys in our tummys!

Here’s to county fairs, state fairs the freaky fruit witch and YOU!

» 2009 LA County Fair (official site)

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