Russell R. Silva
Staff Writer
The Los Angeles County Fair attracted shoppers in search of unique boutiques.
Vendors displayed their finest products. Handmade bracelets, t-shirts, headbands and baby clothes lined the fair alleys in big white tents.
The theme of the vendors seemed to focus on homemade goods instead of cheap priced imports.
Families walked through the central aisles of the Fair in awe of merchandise choices.
Sports booths offered specialized ice chests, backpacks, and purses. Football fans seemed to love this booth. Other booths offered scented candles, fresh fudge and customized t-shirts.
Walking through the aisles, shoppers were able to bask in the essence of cinnamon candles, incense and scented soap. Customers gathered around the sports booths since football season is approaching. Ten to 15 people placed orders for team grills, jerseys and neon signs, within a half hour.
Customers were excited to be able to customize t-shirts with pictures or drawings from one booth. This gave artistic shoppers the opportunity to wear their work. The booth next to it made custom dog accessories. Dog lovers gathered to order spiked collars, rhinestone puppy shoes and even doggie bows.
“I love coming to the fair for years, now that I have a family, I’m able to buy things for my daughter and fiancé,” said Justin Reyes, from Ontario. “I seen Titans dresses for the football season. My little girl is going to rock her daddy’s team.”
Reyes was dressed in his favorite sports team as he shopped around with his family. He said having a family day at the Fair is important to him, because it is something that he has always wanted to do.
“It’s not just about finding unique things, but splurging on fried foods and rides,” Reyes said. “This isn’t something we do every day, so it’s good to come out and live a little.”
One boutique specialized in baby goods. Rockn Baby Boutique, owned by Kim Katnik, makes anything from accessories to crib bedding. The company started up in Irvine at the Orange County Fair eight years ago.
“I like to give the customer the capability to design stuff the way they like,” Katnik said.
Reyes and his fiancé placed an order for a customized Titans dress for their 10-month-old baby. After meeting with the owner and placing their order, the dress will be ready in seven to 10 business days.
Custom orders can be made online at rocknbabyboutique.com.
Another small company to return to the Fair, is Unrvl. The company specializes in headpieces for ladies.
“I started the company over a year and half ago,” said Maly Vongkesone, owner and founder of the company. “I originally just wanted to sell clothes, but my head pieces have been so successful.”
Shoppers began lining up for unique food choices. Personalized candy apples, wine bottles and flavored roasted almonds seemed to be popular to finish the night off.
Russell R. Silva can be reached at russell.silva@laverne.edu.
