FAIR PLAY FROM WINTER WONDERLAND TO DEEP-FRIED RATTLESNAKE BITES, IT'S ALL HAPPINING IN POMONA.

Byline: GEORGE A. PAUL

>LA.COM 

You're on your way to the county fair. Now some decisions need to be made.

What are you going to see first? What's next? How can you squeeze everything you want to do into a day's visit?

"Whenever we survey guests about their reasons for coming to the fair, 'the food' is always one of the top responses," said Los Angeles County Fair spokeswoman Wendy Talarico. "People will go to their favorite stands and start with something deep-fried, on a stick or barbecue."

Vendors always try to top each other with fresh culinary oddities.

This year, fairgoers can eat deep-fried rattlesnake bites (yum yum!) and a deep-fried peanut butter and banana sandwich drizzled with honey (an homage to Elvis Presley and the 30th anniversary of his death last month).

For the more discriminating palate, there are savory crepes, juicy tri-tip sandwiches, Thai skewers and steamed artichokes. New this year: a Krispy Kreme chicken sandwich.

Top of the Park offerings include prime rib and fresh ahi tuna, while the Clock Tower Plaza has Greek spanikopita (spinach pie) and jalapeno burritos.

After you eat, head for the Winter Wonderland.

The what? Yes, even in typically sweltering September heat, people can cavort in the snow of a mountain village.

"Last year was the first time we did it, and it was hugely popular," Talarico said. "We now have ice-skating and sledding. It will snow every half hour."

Once you are cooled off, head for Fairview Farms, a petting zoo with baby animals in the barn.

"We'll have unusual critters, like the world's largest rodent," said Talarico.

Since you already will be breathing in that musky animal aroma, head to the livestock area to admire the animals raised by students in the local 4H and FFA clubs. Check the fair schedule so you can catch a junior livestock auction.

Next, take a trip to Italy. The Home & Gardens area offers an exhibit called "Under the Tuscan Sun," with plants displayed next to replicas and murals of the Forum, Venetian canals, the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. A horticultural re-creation of Italy's flowers and greenery mimics the Italian countryside.

This would be a good time for a glass of wine. Wine Trails of Tuscany features fresh green grapevines in the Enchanted Gardens, wine education classes and the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Marketplace.

Now it's time to head over to the Forest Ranger Lookout Tower and hike the forest at Caring for the Land/Camp Smokey. The Timber Ridge area shows kids what a career in forestry might be like. There's also a place where you can learn to fly-fish.

Don't forget the fine art. The Millard Sheets Center for the Arts at Fairplex celebrates the 100th anniversary of its namesake's birth. Sheets, a Pomona native, watercolorist, architect, printmaker and mosaic artist, served as director of the L.A. County Fair's Fine Arts exhibition from 1931 to 1956. "A Tapestry of Life" showcases the connection between the artist and world events.

Learn how to save the planet at Eco Now!, which has exhibits about recycling, water conservation, hybrid technology and new products.

"We have a glacier you can touch, an exhibit on solar energy and eco-friendly kids activities," explained Talarico.

And don't forget the food demonstrations, the shopping and the music.

"The Latin Legends and mariachis have been a traditional part of our lineup for at least six years," Talarico said.

Young rockabilly band Jonny Come Lately -- which made the Top 20 on NBC's "America's Got Talent" last year -- contemporary jazz keyboardist Lao Tizer, pop/rock group the Ravelers and surf rockers the Dynotones are among the performers.

Oh, and there are the horse races. And the rides in the fun zone.

"It's a lot to take in all in one day," Talarico said. "We have a lot of guests who make several trips to do it right."

George A. Paul [phone]

[e-mail]

L.A. COUNTY FAIR

>Where: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona.

>When: 11a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesdays, 11a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays, 11a.m. to midnight Fridays, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Through Sept. 30.

>Admission: $10 to $15 weekends, $6 to $10 weekdays; $10 general parking, $15 preferred parking.

>Information: [phone]; www.lacountyfair.com.

CAPTION(S):

7 photos

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) Give it a whirl 

L.A. County Fair mixes up tried-and-true with lots that's new

(2 -- 7 -- color) L.A County Fair promises rides, livestock events and great live entertainment, but officials say it's the wide variety of food - form ethnic to diet-busting - that attracts many visitors. The fair continues through Sept. 30 in Pomona.

PHOTOS BY WALTER RICHARD WEIS AND WILL LESTER >LA.COM