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The San Diego County Fair is an annual fair held in Del Mar, California. It is held every summer at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Established in 1880, the fair is the longest running event in San Diego County.

History

The San Diego County Fair began in 1880 as an agricultural fair. The location moved from place to place for several years, finally settling on the Del Mar Fairgrounds when it opened in 1936. There was no fair in 1917–18 due to World War I, 1942–45 due to World War II, and 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fair has been known by various names during its history: The San Diego County Fair from 1880 to 1953 and from 2002 to present; the Southern California Exposition and San Diego County Fair from 1954 to 1969; the Southern California Exposition from 1970 to 1982; and the Del Mar Fair from 1983 through 2001.^[1]

After visiting farm animals at the fair in 2019, a 2-year-old boy died and three others were sickened but not hospitalized; they had contracted pathogenic E. coli, and the child had developed a kidney infection.^[2]

Fairest of the Fair

From 1936 through 2003 the fair included a beauty pageant. The winner was originally called Queen of the Fair; in 1947 the title was changed to Fairest of the Fair. The winner and her "court of lovelies" were featured at the fair and in public appearances throughout the year. In 2004 the pageant was discontinued due to high costs and legal wrangling over a disqualified entry in 2003. Most Memorable Contestant was 1979 Marlene Rosas of El Cajon, and the best known winner of the Fairest of the Fair pageant was the late 1958 winner, a La Jolla High School student named Raquel Tejada, better known as actress Raquel Welch (1940-2023).^[3]

Don Diego

For decades the official greeter and host of the fair was Don Diego, a smiling caballero portrayed by Spanish actor Tom Hernández from 1947 until his death in 1984. The character was based on a real person, Don Diego Alvarado, whose family had a large land grant in the Del Mar area during the late 1800s; Alvarado was known for his grand parties and was regarded as the local symbol of a gracious host. Dressed in a huge sombrero, embroidered tunic and trousers, and boots, and toting a guitar, Hernandez promoted the fair as its goodwill ambassador. He escorted the Fairest of the Fair and other celebrities, and personally greeted ordinary fairgoers with a "¡Bienvenidos Amigos!" ("Welcome, Friends)".^[4]

After Hernandez' death the fair board decided to retire the character rather than try to replace Hernandez, who they felt had been uniquely qualified for the role of Don Diego. A 16-foot bronze statue of Hernandez as Don Diego, created by artist Maher Morcos,^[5] now stands at the fair's main entrance. The fair established a scholarship fund in 1986, the Don Diego fund, in his honor.^[6] Each year the statue is dressed in garb that is appropriate to the theme of that year's fair.

Features

The fair features many musical and talent performances from artists of varying genres, from nationally known acts on the infield stage to local professionals to amateur groups. There are dozens of contests ranging from agricultural efforts to cooking to flower arranging.

As with many county fairs, animal exhibits are abundant. There are also two buildings full of commercial exhibits. There are exhibits featuring San Diego County's heritage, as well as exhibits specially designed for the fair's theme, which changes annually, making the fair somewhat different each year. Most recently, the theme for 2023 was "Get Out There!".

Children and students are honored in the Kids' Best and Student Showcase displays, which feature artwork created by students ranging from kindergarten through community college. School yearbooks are displayed as well as woodworking, photography, and art projects constructed by high school students. All ages can display their talents in exhibits such as Design in Wood, photo and art shows, and Home and Hobby. Each day features a particular city or town in San Diego County.

Food also is a feature of the fair, with more than 100 food booths. There are many fair classics as well as other interesting or outrageous creations such as beef sundaes, fried Twinkies, and apple fries. Something new is added every year, such as fried cola in 2007, chocolate bacon in 2009, and fried butter in 2010.^[7] In 2015 the new Fair fare is an eclectic mix of pork and bacon to sweets and spice - and much more. 2019 saw the debut of the Buffalo Chicken Chimichanga. From Wasabi Bacon Bombs to Sriracha Corn Dogs, Deep-fried Slimfast Bars, and a Fireball Donut, there is a lot to eat and see at the San Diego County Fair.

The Fourth of July brings events celebrating the United States' independence, including a parade and a large fireworks display in the evening.

With an average daily attendance of more than 60,000 in 2014, it is the fourth largest fair in North America, and California's largest ever, surpassed in attendance only by the State Fair of Texas, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the Minnesota State Fair.

Date and location

The fair is generally held from the last weekend in May (early June otherwise) through the Fourth of July weekend, and is closed Mondays/Tuesdays in June.

The fair is held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California, off the Via De La Valle exit (Exit 36) on the Interstate 5 Freeway. The address is 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014.

Pacific Surfliner and Coaster stop at the nearby Solana Beach Transit Center on regular schedules, and they usually increase service during the events of the fair (NCTD uses their "Fair Tripper" ticket packages for discounts and Amtrak increases capacity). There are plans in the future to build a special events platform on the west side of the Del Mar Fairgrounds to provide easier access to events held there, such as the fair.

Parking

The Del Mar Fairgrounds charges $17 for parking in their main lots during the San Diego Fair.

There are multiple free and reduced fee options for parking during the fair that includes free shuttle service to help combat traffic and parking problems.

Torrey Pines High School, 3710 Del Mar Heights Rd., Del Mar - Saturdays and Sundays
MiraCosta College's San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff - Saturdays and Sundays
Del Mar Horsepark, 14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar - Everyday fair is open ($5) ^[8]^[9]

Themes

Since 1998 the San Diego County Fair has adopted a theme.

1998 - Discover California
1999 - The Rush is On (California Sesquicentennial)
2000 - California Dreamin'
2001 - Endless Summer - Endless Fun (Surfing)
2002 - Elvis Presley
2003 - Commotion by the Ocean
2004 - Seussentennial Celebration
2005 - Cinema Summer
2006 - Ride the Tide to Fun
2007 - Salute to Heroes
2008 - Summer of Sports
2009 - Music Mania
2010 - Taste the Fun
2011 - Race to The Fair
2012 - Out of This World
2013 - Game On!
2014 - The FAB Fair
2015 - A Fair to Remember
2016 - Mad About the Fair
2017 - Where the West is Fun
2018 - How Sweet it is
2019 - OzSome!
2020 - (No 2020 fair in response to the COVID-19 pandemic)
2021 - Home Grown Fun
2022 - Heroes ReUnite!
2023 - Get Out There!
2024 - Let's Go Retro

In 2003, Spanish versions of the theme were created to spearhead marketing campaigns for the Hispanic community in San Diego County plus Baja California:

2003 - Una Feria a Todo Mar
2004 - (No Spanish version adopted)
2005 - De Película
2006 - Va Llena de Diversión
2007 - Homenaje a los Héroes
2008 - Verano Deportivo
2009 - Explosión Musical
2010 - ¡Pruébala!
2011 - Arráncate a la Feria
2012 - La Feria de las Galaxias
2013 - ¡Juega!
2014 - Una Feria Fabulosa
2015 - La Feria del Recuerdo
2016 - Locos por la Feria
2017 - La Gran Feria del Oeste
2018 - La Más Dulce de las Ferias
2019 - ¡fabulOZa!
2020 - (No 2020 fair in response to the COVID-19 pandemic)
2021 - (No Spanish version adopted)
2022 - Héroes ¡Reúnanse!
2023 - ¡Explórala!
2024 - Vive lo Retro

References

External links

32°58′30″N 117°15′36″W / 32.975°N 117.260°W / 32.975; -117.260

[1] "History of the Fair". www.sdfair.com. Retrieved 2024-06-23.

[2] "2-Year-Old Dies from E. Coli After Visiting San Diego County Fair | PEOPLE.com".

[3] San Diego Union Tribune, March 19, 2006

[4] North County Times, June 25, 2006

[5] Los Angeles Times, May 24, 1985

[6] San Diego Fair:Don Diego Fund

[7] KPBS News, July 5, 2010

[8] Mar Fairgrounds Free Parking at Horsepark

[9] San Diego Fair Parking Archived 2014-07-15 at the Wayback Machine

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+{{Short description|County fair in Del Mar, California, U.S.}}
-[[Image:Picture|thumb|right|428px|Description.]]
+[[File:Del Mar Fair.jpg|thumb|San Diego County Fair, Del Mar, 2009]]
+The '''San Diego County Fair''' is an annual [[fair]] held in [[Del Mar, California]]. It is held every summer at the [[Del Mar Fairgrounds]]. Established in 1880, the fair is the longest running event in [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]].
+==History==
-Located at the [[Del Mar Fairgrounds]] in [[Del Mar, California]], the <b>San Diego County Fair<b> is the largest annual event in [[San Diego County]] drawing over 1.2 million visitors in 2005 and is one of the largest fairs in the United States for attendance. The San Diego County Fair features the largest midway in the region, a Grandstand Stage with top-ranked performing artists; traditional county fair exhibits, student showcases, food, rides, and fun for the whole family.
+The San Diego County Fair began in 1880 as an agricultural fair. The location moved from place to place for several years, finally settling on the [[Del Mar Fairgrounds]] when it opened in 1936. There was no fair in 1917–18 due to [[World War I]], 1942–45 due to [[World War II]], and 2020 in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].
+The fair has been known by various names during its history: The '''San Diego County Fair''' from 1880 to 1953 and from 2002 to present; the '''Southern California Exposition and San Diego County Fair''' from 1954 to 1969; the '''Southern California Exposition''' from 1970 to 1982; and the '''Del Mar Fair''' from 1983 through 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of the Fair |url=https://www.sdfair.com/p/plan-your-visit/about-us |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=www.sdfair.com |language=en}}</ref>
+After visiting farm animals at the fair in 2019, a 2-year-old boy died and three others were sickened but not hospitalized; they had contracted pathogenic E. coli, and the child had developed a kidney infection.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://people.com/health/2-year-old-boy-dies-from-e-coli-after-visiting-animals-at-san-diego-county-fair/| title = 2-Year-Old Dies from E. Coli After Visiting San Diego County Fair {{!}} PEOPLE.com}} </ref>
-This year's featured performers at theh Harrah's Grandstand Stage cover a wide range of musical tastes: comedian [[Sinbad (actor)]] (June 10), [[American Idol]]'s [Bo Bice] (June 14), rock & soul duo [[Hall & Oates]] (June 15), Latin rockers [[Ozomatli]] (June 16), Heart (June 22), [[Melissa Ethridge]] (June 27), [[Smash Mouth]] (June 28), [[Lifehouse (band)]] (June 29)songwriter [[Teddy Geiger]] (June 30), [[Kenny Loggins]] (July 1), [[Carrie Underwood]] (July 3) and more. ''Check the San Diego County Fair website for the complete lineup of fair performers.''
+==Fairest of the Fair==
+From 1936 through 2003 the fair included a beauty pageant. The winner was originally called Queen of the Fair; in 1947 the title was changed to Fairest of the Fair. The winner and her "court of lovelies" were featured at the fair and in public appearances throughout the year. In 2004 the pageant was discontinued due to high costs and legal wrangling over a disqualified entry in 2003. Most Memorable Contestant was 1979 Marlene Rosas of El Cajon, and the best known winner of the Fairest of the Fair pageant was the late 1958 winner, a La Jolla High School student named Raquel Tejada, better known as actress [[Raquel Welch]] (1940-2023).<ref>[http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060319/news_m1m19history.html San Diego Union Tribune, March 19, 2006]</ref>
+==Don Diego==
-The Paddock Series is an exciting, brand-new addition to the Fair's entertainment lineup. Every Tuesday, you can enjoy outstanding blues bands. On Wednesday nights, it will be classic rock. On Thursdays, jazz will fill the air. These concerts will begin about 9 p.m. on the Finish Line Stage, immediately after the Grandstand Stage performance ends.
+For decades the official greeter and host of the fair was Don Diego, a smiling caballero portrayed by Spanish actor [[Tom Hernández]] from 1947 until his death in 1984. The character was based on a real person, Don Diego Alvarado, whose family had a large land grant in the Del Mar area during the late 1800s; Alvarado was known for his grand parties and was regarded as the local symbol of a gracious host. Dressed in a huge sombrero, embroidered tunic and trousers, and boots, and toting a guitar, Hernandez promoted the fair as its goodwill ambassador. He escorted the Fairest of the Fair and other celebrities, and personally greeted ordinary fairgoers with a "¡Bienvenidos Amigos!" ("Welcome, Friends)".<ref>[http://www.nctimes.com/fair/article_0ba2eeaf-1e87-5133-ae9f-e55865426ed5.html North County Times, June 25, 2006]</ref>
+After Hernandez' death the fair board decided to retire the character rather than try to replace Hernandez, who they felt had been uniquely qualified for the role of Don Diego. A 16-foot bronze statue of Hernandez as Don Diego, created by artist Maher Morcos,<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-05-24-me-17097-story.html ''Los Angeles Times'', May 24, 1985]</ref> now stands at the fair's main entrance. The fair established a scholarship fund in 1986, the Don Diego fund, in his honor.<ref>[http://www.sdfair.com/index.php?fuseaction=about.dondiego San Diego Fair:Don Diego Fund]</ref> Each year the statue is dressed in garb that is appropriate to the theme of that year's fair.
+==Features==
-“This year’s theme promises to be the best and most exciting yet not only because of the water theme, but because of our very special partnership with the internationally acclaimed artist, Wyland. We are working with him to create Wyland’s Island in the Infield, where we will have an educational and interactive display focusing on preserving the environment and protecting the ocean and its creatures,” said Deputy General Manager, Chana Mannen.
+The fair features many musical and talent performances from artists of varying genres, from nationally known acts on the infield stage to local professionals to amateur groups. There are dozens of contests ranging from agricultural efforts to cooking to flower arranging.[[File:Southern California Exposition July 1982.jpg|thumb|View of the midway, 1982]]As with many county fairs, animal exhibits are abundant. There are also two buildings full of commercial exhibits. There are exhibits featuring San Diego County's heritage, as well as exhibits specially designed for the fair's theme, which changes annually, making the fair somewhat different each year. Most recently, the theme for 2023 was "Get Out There!".
+Children and students are honored in the ''Kids' Best'' and ''Student Showcase'' displays, which feature artwork created by students ranging from kindergarten through community college. School yearbooks are displayed as well as woodworking, photography, and art projects constructed by high school students. All ages can display their talents in exhibits such as ''Design in Wood'', photo and art shows, and ''Home and Hobby''. Each day features a particular city or town in San Diego County.
+Food also is a feature of the fair, with more than 100 food booths. There are many fair classics as well as other interesting or outrageous creations such as beef sundaes, fried [[Twinkies]], and apple fries. Something new is added every year, such as fried cola in 2007, chocolate bacon in 2009, and fried butter in 2010.<ref>[http://www.kpbs.org/news/2010/jul/05/its-all-about-food-san-diego-county-fair/ KPBS News, July 5, 2010]</ref> In 2015 the new Fair fare is an eclectic mix of pork and bacon to sweets and spice - and much more. 2019 saw the debut of the Buffalo Chicken [[Chimichanga]]. From Wasabi Bacon Bombs to Sriracha Corn Dogs, Deep-fried Slimfast Bars, and a Fireball Donut, there is a lot to eat and see at the San Diego County Fair.
-The Wonders of Water Featuring Wyland Exhibit "The Wonders of Water Featuring Wyland," the theme exhibit near the O'Brien Gate, will take Fairgoers through aquatic habitats featuring the animals that rely on them, a bathing suit fashion show, hands-on learning experiences for kids, the art of famed marine-life artist Wyland, and much, much more.
+The [[Fourth of July]] brings events celebrating the United States' independence, including a parade and a large fireworks display in the evening.
-==History==
-In 1880, a group of San Diegans organized an agricultural fair to bring county farmers together to share ideas, see who had the best citrus fruit, who baked the best pie, and who had the fastest horse. After that first fair, the county fair was held annually with a few exceptions in various county locations until 1936, when it moved to its present Del Mar home.
+With an average daily attendance of more than 60,000 in 2014, it is the fourth largest fair in North America, and California's largest ever, surpassed in attendance only by the [[State Fair of Texas]], [[Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo]], and the [[Minnesota State Fair]].
+==Date and location==
+The fair is generally held from the last weekend in May (early June otherwise) through the Fourth of July weekend, and is closed Mondays/Tuesdays in June.
+The fair is held at the [[Del Mar Fairgrounds]] in Del Mar, California, off the Via De La Valle exit (Exit 36) on the [[Interstate 5 in California|Interstate 5]] Freeway. The address is 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014.
+''[[Pacific Surfliner]]'' and [[Coaster (rail service)|Coaster]] stop at the nearby [[Solana Beach Transit Center]] on regular schedules, and they usually increase service during the events of the fair (NCTD uses their "Fair Tripper" ticket packages for discounts and Amtrak increases capacity). There are plans in the future to build a special events platform on the west side of the Del Mar Fairgrounds to provide easier access to events held there, such as the fair.
-==What's New This Year:==
-Sealife Encounters of America The world's only traveling stingray exhibit will be on Wyland's Island, presented by Sparkletts. This exhibit has as its main attraction a stingray touch tank, where Fairgoers can see, touch, feed and learn about stingrays. Other exhibits include displays of unusual marine animals, as well as hands-on learning centers.
+==Parking==
+The Del Mar Fairgrounds charges $17 for parking in their main lots during the San Diego Fair.
+There are multiple '''free and reduced fee options for parking''' during the fair that includes free shuttle service to help combat traffic and parking problems.
-Water’s Extreme Journey Developed with a focus on creativity by Wyland, the 1,000-foot Water's Extreme Journey maze transforms each visitor into a drop of water entering a watershed. Visitors will travel through different watershed habitats including lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, estuaries, bays, and oceans.
+* Torrey Pines High School, 3710 Del Mar Heights Rd., Del Mar - Saturdays and Sundays
+* MiraCosta College's San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff - Saturdays and Sundays
+* Del Mar Horsepark, 14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar - Everyday fair is open ($5) <ref>[http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jun/06/sandiego-county-fair-del-mar-info/Del Mar Fairgrounds Free Parking at Horsepark]</ref><ref>[http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/San-Diego-County-Fair-Deals-and-Offers-261906031.html/ San Diego Fair Parking] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715224339/http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/San-Diego-County-Fair-Deals-and-Offers-261906031.html |date=2014-07-15 }}</ref>
+==Themes==
-Then there are the old standby favorites as well, such as arts and crafts displays, art shows, photo exhibitions, the flower and garden show, and of course, the livestock competitions. Of course, it's just not a County Fair without a Fun Zone, and the San Diego County Fair has one of the best you'll find. The Fun Zone has nearly 40 exciting rides, there are about 40 more in the Infield's Kiddieland, and you'll find nearly 40 different types of games in both locations.
+Since 1998 the San Diego County Fair has adopted a theme.
+{{div col |colwidth=15em}}
+* 1998 - Discover California
+* 1999 - The Rush is On (California Sesquicentennial)
+* 2000 - California Dreamin'
+* 2001 - Endless Summer - Endless Fun (Surfing)
+* 2002 - [[Elvis Presley]]
+* 2003 - Commotion by the Ocean
+* 2004 - [[Dr. Seuss|Seussentennial Celebration]]
+* 2005 - Cinema Summer
+* 2006 - Ride the Tide to Fun
+* 2007 - Salute to Heroes
+* 2008 - Summer of Sports
+* 2009 - Music Mania
+* 2010 - Taste the Fun
+* 2011 - Race to The Fair
+* 2012 - Out of This World
+* 2013 - Game On!
+* 2014 - The FAB Fair
+* 2015 - [[Panama–California Exposition|A Fair to Remember]]
+* 2016 - [[Alice in Wonderland (disambiguation)|Mad About the Fair]]
+* 2017 - Where the West is Fun
+* 2018 - How Sweet it is
+* 2019 - [[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz|OzSome]]!
+* 2020 - (No 2020 fair in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]])
+* 2021 - Home Grown Fun
+* 2022 - Heroes ReUnite!
+* 2023 - Get Out There!
+* 2024 - Let's Go Retro
+{{div col end}}
+In 2003, Spanish versions of the theme were created to spearhead marketing campaigns for the Hispanic community in San Diego County plus Baja California:
+{{div col |colwidth=15em}}
-The Fun Zone opens at 11:00AM Tuesdays through Fridays and 10:00AM on Saturdays and Sundays. The Fun Zone closes at approximately midnight every night.
+* 2003 - Una Feria a Todo Mar
+* 2004 - (No Spanish version adopted)
+* 2005 - De Película
+* 2006 - Va Llena de Diversión
+* 2007 - Homenaje a los Héroes
+* 2008 - Verano Deportivo
+* 2009 - Explosión Musical
+* 2010 - ¡Pruébala!
+* 2011 - Arráncate a la Feria
+* 2012 - La Feria de las Galaxias
+* 2013 - ¡Juega!
+* 2014 - Una Feria Fabulosa
+* 2015 - La Feria del Recuerdo
+* 2016 - Locos por la Feria
+* 2017 - La Gran Feria del Oeste
+* 2018 - La Más Dulce de las Ferias
+* 2019 - ¡fabulOZa!
+* 2020 - (No 2020 fair in response to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]])
+* 2021 - (No Spanish version adopted)
+* 2022 - Héroes ¡Reúnanse!
+* 2023 - ¡Explórala!
+* 2024 - Vive lo Retro
+{{div col end}}
+== References ==
-==San Diego County Fair Info==
+{{Reflist}}
+==External links==
-Admission <br>
+*[https://sdfair.com/ San Diego County Fair website]
-Adults $11.00<br>
+*[http://DelMarFairgrounds.com/ Del Mar Fairgrounds website]
-and older $6.00<br>
-Kids 6-12 $5.00<br>
-Kids 5 and younger Free<br>
+{{coord|32.975|-117.260|region:US-CA_type:landmark|display=title}}
-==External Links==
-*[http://www.sdfair.com/fair/ San Diego County Fair]
-*[http://www.sdfair.com/ Del Mar Fair Grounds]
-*[http://sandiego.about.com/od/funforthefamily/a/sdfair.htm SD Fair Description by Inigo Figuracion]
-[[Category:San Diego]]
+[[Category:Festivals in San Diego]]
-[[Category:Family Activities]]
+[[Category:Fairs in California]]
-[[Category:County Fair]]
+[[Category:Del Mar, California]]
-[[Category:Annual Summer Event]]
+[[Category:Annual fairs]]
-[[Category:Southern California]]
+[[Category:Annual events in California]]
+[[Category:Tourist attractions in San Diego County, California]]