Flavio Caramaschi cooks up some sausages at the Izaak Walton League booth at the Orange International Street Fair.

Sausages sizzle on the grill as volunteers work the Izaak Walton League booth at the Orange International Street Fair.

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El Modena High School volunteer Jesus Garcia, sprinkles Tajin seasoning atop nieve, or Mexican ice cream at the 43rd annual Orange International Street Fair.

Roger Le, 3, gets dad help as he eats tacos de carne asada at the 43rd annual Orange International Street Fair.

People stroll through the Orange International Street Fair.



Visitors react as they order food at one of the many food booths at the Orange International Street Fair.

More than 400,000 people will flood into the Old Towne Orange Plaza Sept. 1-3 to enjoy a world tour of tasty treats during the 45th Annual Orange International Street Fair.

The Street Fair started in 1973 as a celebration of the city’s centennial, and has since grown into one of Orange County’s biggest events – a food festival for the county, and a homecoming for all who ever called Orange home.

This year, 14 countries will have their food represented, marked by banners hanging high above the crowds. Danish aebleskivers, Japanese sushi, Greek gyros, German bratwurst and good, old-fashioned American funnel cakes are just a taste of this year’s returning favorites. Beer is sold until 9 p.m. each night – wristbands cost an additional $3.

While the Plaza’s gourmands chow down, live music will play nonstop from nine stages peppered throughout Old Towne’s historic heart.

The event serves as a massive fundraiser for local nonprofits, which manage all of the fair’s myriad food booths. Additional nonprofits, chosen by lottery through the city, get a chance to manage nearby public parking lots.

Where to take your kids at the Orange International Street Fair

How to tackle parking at the Orange International Street Fair

Your guide to entertainment at the Orange International Street Fair

Mike Winger’s top five picks

If the cornucopia of culinary delights at the Orange International Street Fair has you wondering where to start, President Mike Winger has a few suggestions.

1. Spicy Swiss Sausage on Switzerland Street

2. Kalua Sliders on Polynesia Street

3. Ableskevers on Denmark Street

4. Loukoumades on Greek Street

5. Teriyaki beef sticks on Japan Street