With opportunities to ride elephants, interact with sharks and try the ever-so-daring fried Kool-Aid, the 89th annual Los Angeles County Fair has opened its doors and promises fairgoers a promising outing filled with adventure.

Open now through Oct. 2 at the Fairplex grounds in Pomona, the L.A. County Fair invites people of all ages to join the fun and festivities.

A handful of exciting and interactive exhibits dominate the grounds.

The Live Shark Encounter is a must-see exhibit. Located in building 5, this showcase allows audiences to witness the interaction between these real, sharp-toothed creatures and professional divers. While the exhibit is sure to draw a few gasps, it also serves as a genuine learning experience, as audience members are given the opportunity to increase their knowledge on various shark facts and myths.

For those who prefer the cute and cuddly, Esmeralda’s Traveling Circus is home to a variety of goats, donkeys, ducks, alpacas, pigs and more. The Great American Petting Zoo
allows young children to get close to these trained, well-adored animals.

The main attraction at Esmeralda’s Traveling Circus is the Elephants on Parade experience. For a small fee, families can ride one of two professionally trained elephants. Parents and children alike will squeal with delight as they ride high atop the enormous mammals.

Thrill-seekers will find no greater adventure than the 70 exhilarating carnival rides to choose from. The carnival section of the park also provides guests 40 entertaining games to take part in. There is a continuous feeling of excitement in the air as the fair guests navigate through multiple Ferris wheels, rollercoasters and fun houses.

The fair also provides a different kind of excitement: the thrill of shopping. In addition to the usual outdoor vendors, fair guests can indulge in this popular pasttime at various locations throughout the grounds.

Buildings 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 are shopping havens, brimming with merchants who offer the latest in fashion, jewelry, home décor, books, beauty products and more.

Hungry fairgoers will have no problem finding a good place to eat during their visit. The fair boasts a large selection of over 300 booths and eateries to choose from, and attendees can expect more than just the average hot dog stand.

Iconic fair food, such as funnel cake, roasted corn and cotton candy, are nearly upstaged by the presence of creative treats: delectable Krispy Kreme sandwiches, syrupy maple-bacon doughnuts, salty deep-fried riblets, fresh strawberry and blue cheese salads and mouthwatering wood fire pizza.

Chicken Charlie is a fair favorite with its unique collection of all things deep fried. From fried Oreos to fried Kool-Aid, this iconic location takes taste buds on a wild ride.

Los Angeles staple Pink’s Hot Dogs also makes an appearance, providing fairgoers with a small sample of its world-famous hot dogs. Among the menu choices is the Rosie O’Donnell Long Island Dog, a 10-inch hot dog oozing with mustard, onions, sauerkraut and chili.

With such a huge and diverse selection of food, games and activities to choose from, the L.A. County Fair proves time and again there is no limit to the number of adventures attendees will experience.

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“A Weekend for Heroes” at the L.A. County Fair

The heroes of 9/11 and the military men and women who continue to fight for America will be honored the weekend of Sept. 11.

• $1 for admission for active-duty and retired U.S. military, reserves and emergency service personnel, with I.D. and one guest – Sept. 10-11, all day
• America the Beautiful Parade – Sept. 10, 1 p.m.
• Stephen Still Tunnel to Tower Run, a national event honoring the dedication of 9/11 first responders – Sept. 11, beginning at 8:45 a.m., $30 registration