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San Diego County Fair

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Coordinates: 32°58′30″N 117°15′36″W / 32.975°N 117.260°W / 32.975; -117.260
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San Diego County Fair, Del Mar, 2009
View of the midway, 1982

The San Diego County Fair (formerly called the Del Mar 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 attendance of 1,517,508 in 2012. The San Diego County fair only opens in early summer.[1] Again in 2012, under the theme "Out of this world," The San Diego County fair broke another record attendance with 1,517,508 guests.[2]

History

The 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.

In 1954, the fair's name was 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 name San Diego County Fair was reinstated. It is sometimes still referred to as the "Del Mar Fair" by locals.

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. The best known winner of the Fairest of the Fair pageant was the 1958 winner, a La Jolla High School student named Raquel Tejada, better known as actress Raquel Welch.[3]

Don Diego

For decades the official greeter and host of the fair was Don Diego, a smiling caballero portrayed by Spanish actor Tommy Hernandez 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 statute is dressed in garb that is appropriate to the theme of that year's fair.

Features

San Diego County Fair Plant Exhibit, 2009

The fair features many musical and talent performances from artists of varying notability, 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. The theme for 2010 was "Taste the Fun". The 2011 theme was "Race to the Fair." The 2012 theme was "Out of this World," followed by "Game On" in 2013. "The Fab Fair" was 2014 and "A Fair to Remember: Remember: Celebrate The World's Fairs & Balboa Park" was the 2015 theme. "Mad About the Fair" is 2016's theme.

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 ecelectic mix of pork and bacon to sweets and spice - and much more. 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, 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 first weekend in June through the Fourth of July weekend, and is closed every Monday and the first two Tuesdays.

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.

Parking

The Del Mar Fairgrounds charges $10 for parking in their main lots during the San Diego Fair.

There are multiple free 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 (just east of the fair), 14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar everyday fair is open[8][9]

Themes

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

  • 1998 - Camping
  • 1999 - Baseball
  • 2000 - California
  • 2001 - Surfing
  • 2002 - Elvis Presley
  • 2003 - Ocean/Beach
  • 2004 - Dr. Seuss
  • 2005 - Classical Film
  • 2006 - Ocean/Beach
  • 2007 - American Veterans
  • 2008 - 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

References

  1. ^ "Attendance Milestones". San Diego County Fair. Retrieved 2012-06-08.
  2. ^ http://www.sdfair.com/index.php?fuseaction=info.press_details&newsid=801
  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


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

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