San Diego County Fair
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The San Diego County Fair is a county fair held every summer at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California. The fair is a major draw for San Diego County residents; in recent years, attendance figures have risen above a million annually, reaching a record all-time attendance of 1,265,997 in 2007. "Attendance Milestones". San Diego County Fair. Retrieved Feb. 5, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
History
The fair began in 1880 as an agricultural fair. The location moved from place to place for several years until finally settling on the Del Mar Fairgrounds in 1936.
In 1954, the fair's name changed to the Southern California Exposition and San Diego County Fair. In 1970, this was shortened to the Southern California Exposition. The fair was again renamed in 1984 to the Del Mar Fair, which lasted until 2002, when the original name was reinstated, although it is sometimes still informally referred to as the "Del Mar Fair" by locals.
Features
The fair features many daily musical and talent performances from artists of varying notability, from locals to nationally known acts. There are also dozens of contests, ranging from agricultural to artistic efforts.
As with many county fairs, animal exhibits are abundant, as well as rides and games for people of all ages. As of 2007, there were about 80 different rides. There are also exhibits glorifying 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. The theme for 2008 is "Summer of Sports," which will celebrate sports for amateurs and professionals, young and old.[needs update]
San Diego County's children and students are honored in the Kids' Best and Student Showcase displays, which feature artwork created by kids in kindergarten through community college. School yearbooks are displayed as well as woodworking projects constructed from scratch by noted high school students. Adults also display their talents in exhibits such as Design in Wood, photo and art shows, and Home and Hobby. The Art Show, a juried competition, dates back to the fair's first year in 1880, making it one of the oldest continuous art shows in the Western United States.[citation needed]
One of the biggest draws for fairgoers is the variety of food offered.[citation needed] There are many fair classics as well as other interesting delicacies for people to try, including beef sundaes, fried Twinkies, and apple fries. Something new is added every year, such as fried cola in 2007.
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 50,000, it was the fifth largest fair in the United States in 2007, surpassed in attendance only by the State Fair of Texas, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Minnesota State Fair and the Los Angeles County Fair.[citation needed]
Date and location
The fair runs from mid-June through early July each year. The 2008 dates are June 14 through July 6, closed June 16 and 23.[needs update]
The fair is held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California off of the Via De La Valle exit on the Interstate 5 Freeway.