L.A. County Fair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Los Angeles County Fair |
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The 2008 L.A. County Fair at dusk in Pomona
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| Genre | County fair |
| Dates | 2–26 May 2025 (16 days, closed Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays except Memorial Day) |
| Location(s) | Pomona, California |
| Coordinates | 34°05′00″N 117°45′45″W / 34.08333°N 117.76250°W |
| Years active | 1922–1941, 1948–2019, 2022– (no fair during WWII from 1942–47, nor 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) |
| Attendance | 0 (2020–21) |
| Website | LACF |
The Los Angeles County Fair is a big annual event, like a giant party and exhibition! It's one of the largest county fairs in the United States. The first fair happened on October 17, 1922, in Pomona, California. It lasted five days.
Back then, exciting things like harness racing and airplane wing-walking shows were popular. Since 1948, over a million people have visited the fair almost every year. In total, more than 89 million visitors have enjoyed the LA County Fair!
The fair helps people learn about California's farming history. It's also a fun place to gather, eat traditional fair food, and enjoy entertainment. Today, the fair has a large carnival with many rides. It also features a working farm, a miniature garden railroad, and historical exhibits. You can explore the beautiful Flower and Garden Pavilion too.
The fair usually has a concert series with many famous musicians. It is held at Fairplex, a large area of fairgrounds. Fairplex also includes a hotel, an RV park, and several museums.
Contents
History of the Fair
The Los Angeles County Fair has a long and interesting history.
Early Beginnings
- The first L.A. County Fair opened in 1922.
- It took place at the Los Angeles Fairgrounds in Pomona.
- These grounds are now known as Fairplex.
- Fairplex hosts many other events all year round.
Fair Closures
- The fair was closed for several years during World War II (from 1942 to 1947).
- It also closed in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic in California.
- The fair proudly returned in 2022 for its 100th anniversary!
Important Site History
- The land where the fair is held was once home to the Tongva village of Tooypinga.
- During World War II, this site was used as a temporary holding area.
- Japanese Americans were held here before being moved to other camps.
- This happened from May to August 1942, and over 5,000 people were there.
Meet Thummer, the Fair Mascot
The Los Angeles County Fair has a super friendly mascot named Thummer!
Thummer's First Appearance
- Thummer was first introduced in 1948.
- His original name was "Porky the Hitchhiking Pig."
- An artist named Morrie Stewart created him.
A New Name for a Pig
- "Porky" was used until 1952.
- Another cartoon character had a similar name.
- So, the fair held a contest to choose a new name.
- That's how "Thummer" was chosen, and it stuck!
Thummer Today
- Thummer has been a regular at the fair ever since.
- He used to wear a special outfit and carry a briefcase.
- In the 1980s, "Mrs. Thummer" was also introduced.
- Thummer briefly disappeared but came back in 1988.
Fun Things to Do at the Fair
The Los Angeles County Fair offers tons of fun for everyone!
Rides and Food
- You can enjoy many exciting rides.
- There are also lots of different foods and drinks to try.
Special Events
- The fair often has "Community Days."
- These days celebrate local heroes, leaders, and high school marching bands.
- The May concert series features singers and bands performing in the evenings.
Other Attractions at Fairplex
Fairplex is home to more than just the fair!
- The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum is located there.
- You can also visit the Fairplex railway exhibit, which has cool trains.
- The Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center is also on the grounds.
See also
