A Fair Insider's Favorite Shopping Spots

The Alameda County Fair brings so much excitement for all of the staff members, it is amazing to see the gates open on the first day of the fair and watch fairgoers of all ages excited to start their adventure.  

Staff members are also excited because some of our favorite year-round items can only be purchased during the fair.

My husband calls me a "Marketer's Dream," so basically he is saying in the most loving way that his wife LOVES to shop.  

He may be right, but because I consider myself an expert in this area, I had to investigate.   

The next step was visiting the commercial vendors mentioned below to make sure my co-workers were making good choices.  ;)

Pizzazz (located in Building B, center aisle) Bling Bling is all I can say about Pizzazz.  It overwhelmingly got the most votes from staff.

Not only can a girl get her bling on, but the prices are impressively affordable.  You can get earrings, bracelets, rings, pins for any holiday you can imagine, blinged out sunglasses and anklets.  If you love hoop earrings or anything blingy, you must stop at this booth.  Best part is it won't break the bank — I purchased a pair for under $10. Yep, a little excited about this place.  

Debrito Apples (located in Building B) brings the caramel apple to the next level. Debrito uses only Granny Smith apples that are hand-selected from Washington State and include favorites such as: Marshmallow Cream, Toffee Apple, Apple Pie A La Mode, Bubblegum, Hot Tamale and my personal favorite, Rocky Road.  

All Star Dips (located in Building A & B) is definitely a "must have." They sell a packaged dip that you simply add mayonaise to and chill. I often bring the dip to parties and my friends think I spent hours on it (great - now the cat is out of the bag.) Thanks to the staff member who reminded of this "must have" item. Flavors include Habanero Con Queso, Jalapeno Con Queso and a Bay Area favorite, Hell-A-Hot Habanero. They have many more dips available but these are staff favorites.  

H & H Salsa (located in Building B) The salsa mix comes is a canister that lasts some fair staffers up to a year -- others buy two and three canisters. You simply add tomoatoes and that's it done -- fresh salsa. The office staff has brought in salsa made with this and it is simly out of this world.  

Glittered Pig (located in Building A) for glittery wall decor. You can find glittered pigs, glittered letters, glittered crosses, glittered butterflies, glittered 4H signs and the list goes on and on. If you have a daughter or you just love glittery wall decor, you have to stop by and check this spot out.  

Velvet Eyeliner (located in Building A) described by fair staff as the BEST eyeliner. It is affordable liquid eyeliner that goes on smooth and stays on. For many staffers, this is the first purchase they make at the start of fair and it lasts the entire year. I would say that's a good find.  

I must say this blog post has given me a reason to go out and investigate the "must have" commercial vendors. My husband will have to understand it was research and one more thing I love about the Alameda County Fair.  Happy shopping, folks!

This year's 17-day fair ends on Sunday.