When hell is other people at the fair

FAIRGROUNDS ? For the curmudgeons, misanthropes and claustrophobes of the world, mincing through a midway packed with people sounds like a day in hell.

But an aversion to crowds is no reason to avoid the Orange County Fair. It’s possible to enjoy the fried food, shopping and even people-watching but still snatch a few minutes of solitude. You just have to know where to go.

The best advice may be to come early. That’s what Jeannie Bowman of Mission Viejo does. She and two friends came in when the fair gates opened Thursday.

“You can move around easier,” she said. “It’s just nicer.”

As the day wears on, the crowds swell ? but more in some places than others. On Saturday afternoon, everyone seemed to want to see Hercules, the giant horse, or browse the wares in the “Carnival of Products” building.

Fair officials recommended the Crafters Village, several aisles of sale tents where people tend to meander but never for too long. The Floral Pavilion and Visual Arts building were surprisingly unpeopled Saturday, despite the fact that they were air-conditioned.

“The traffic moves rather briskly through here,” said Myra Gardner, who was staffing the floral building. “It’s really restful to come in. The flowers smell nice, it’s a little quieter, we don’t have music blaring.”

Sometimes a ride is a good escape. From the sky ride you can watch the people, and a 12-minute, one-way trip costs $3.

If heights aren’t a problem, La Grande Wheel will give you about five minutes in heaven, enclosed in your own private gondola.

Tony Fiori, marketing director for ride operating company RCS, said the wheel is his favorite ride.

“I find it very relaxing, especially at night,” he said. “It’s a little romantic.”

Linda Barton, a fair employee, said the crowds haven’t been a problem this year because fair officials have done a good job managing them. Still, she pointed out, “Most folks don’t come to the fair to be solitary.”

Candi Anderson of Mission Viejo arrived early to shop with friends and avoid the throngs. So where does she go when it gets crowded at the fair?

“Home,” she said.dpt.10-ocfair-logo-CPhotoInfoHJ1T003I20060716j207elncCredit: Caption: (LA) dpt.16-fair-BPhotoInfoHJ1T01EI20060716j2h1bqncCredit: JAMIE FLANAGAN / DAILY PILOT Caption: (LA)Andrew Harreson, 13, of Huntington Beach, takes times out for a nap in the K&B; Patio Furniture booth at the fair Saturday.