San Diego County Fair facts for kids

San Diego County Fair, Del Mar, 2009

The San Diego County Fair is a huge event held every summer. It takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California. Lots of people from San Diego County love to visit. In recent years, over a million people have attended each year! In 2016, a record 1,609,481 visitors came. This made the San Diego County Fair the biggest county fair in the United States. It was also the fourth largest fair of any kind.

Fair History

The fair started way back in 1880. It was first an agricultural fair, focusing on farming. For a few years, the fair moved around to different places. It finally found its permanent home at the Del Mar Fairgrounds when they opened in 1936.

There were a few times when the fair didn't happen. This was due to big world events. It was closed in 1917–18 because of World War I. It also closed from 1942–45 during World War II. In 2020, the fair was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fair's name has changed several times. In 1954, it was called the Southern California Exposition and San Diego County Fair. This was shortened in 1970 to just the Southern California Exposition. Then, in 1984, it became the Del Mar Fair. This name lasted until 2002, when it went back to being the San Diego County Fair. Many local people still call it the "Del Mar Fair."

Fairest of the Fair Pageant

From 1936 to 2003, the fair had a beauty pageant. The winner was first called the Queen of the Fair. In 1947, her title changed to Fairest of the Fair. The winner and her "court of lovelies" would appear at the fair. They also made public appearances all year long.

The pageant stopped in 2004. This was because it cost too much money. There were also some legal issues from a disqualified entry in 2003. One very famous winner was Raquel Tejada in 1958. She was a high school student who later became the well-known actress Raquel Welch.

Don Diego, The Fair's Friendly Host

For many years, the fair had an official greeter named Don Diego. He was a smiling caballero, which is a Spanish horseman. A Spanish actor named Tommy Hernandez played Don Diego from 1947 until he passed away in 1984.

The character of Don Diego was based on a real person. This was Don Diego Alvarado. His family owned a lot of land in the Del Mar area in the late 1800s. Alvarado was famous for throwing big parties. He was known as a very welcoming host.

Tommy Hernandez dressed up in a big sombrero, a fancy tunic, and boots. He carried a guitar. He promoted the fair as its friendly ambassador. He would escort the Fairest of the Fair and other famous people. He also greeted regular fairgoers with a warm "¡Bienvenidos Amigos!" which means "Welcome, Friends!"

After Hernandez died, the fair decided not to replace the character. They felt that Hernandez was perfect for the role. Today, a 16-foot bronze statue of Hernandez as Don Diego stands at the fair's main entrance. An artist named Maher Morcos created it. In 1986, the fair started the Don Diego scholarship fund in his honor. Each year, the statue is dressed in clothes that match the fair's theme for that year.

Fair Features and Fun

The fair has many musical and talent shows. You can see famous artists on the main stage. There are also local performers and amateur groups. Dozens of contests take place. These range from farming efforts to cooking and flower arranging.

View of the midway, 1982

Like many county fairs, there are lots of animal exhibits. You can see many different farm animals. There are also two buildings full of commercial exhibits. These show off different products and services.

The fair also has exhibits about San Diego County's history. Plus, there are special exhibits for the fair's yearly theme. This means the fair is a little different every time you visit! For example, the theme for 2023 was "Get Out There!".

Kids and students are celebrated in the Kids' Best and Student Showcase displays. These show artwork made by students from kindergarten through community college. You can see school yearbooks, woodworking projects, photos, and art. People of all ages can show their talents in exhibits like Design in Wood, photo and art shows, and Home and Hobby. Each day, the fair also highlights a specific city or town in San Diego County.

Food is a huge part of the fair, with over 100 food booths! You can find classic fair foods. There are also many unique and wild creations. Some past examples include beef sundaes, fried Twinkies, and apple fries. Something new is added every year. In 2007, fried cola was new. In 2009, it was chocolate bacon. Fried butter came in 2010. In 2019, the Buffalo Chicken Chimichanga made its debut. From Wasabi Bacon Bombs to Deep-fried Slimfast Bars, there is always something new and exciting to try!

The Fourth of July is a special day at the fair. It includes events celebrating the United States' independence. There's a parade and a big fireworks show in the evening.

The San Diego County Fair is very popular. In 2014, over 60,000 people visited each day. It is the fourth largest fair in North America. It is also California's biggest fair ever. Only the State Fair of Texas, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the Minnesota State Fair have more visitors.

Fair Dates and Location

The fair usually runs from late May or early June through the Fourth of July weekend. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in June.

The fair is held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California. You can find it 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.

You can also get there by train! The Pacific Surfliner and Coaster trains stop at the nearby Solana Beach Transit Center. They usually add more trains during the fair. There are plans to build a special train platform at the fairgrounds in the future. This would make it even easier to get to events like the fair.

Parking at the Fair

Parking in the main lots at the Del Mar Fairgrounds costs $17 during the fair.

However, there are other ways to park for free or at a lower cost. These options include free shuttle buses to help with traffic and parking.

• Torrey Pines High School, 3710 Del Mar Heights Rd., Del Mar - Available on Saturdays and Sundays.
• MiraCosta College's San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff - Available on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Del Mar Horsepark, 14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar - Costs $5 and is open every day the fair is open.

Fair Themes

Since 1998, the San Diego County Fair has chosen a special theme each year.