When San Diego inhabitants think about the San Diego County Fair, the first thing they think about are mechanical rides, popcorn, corn dogs, fried food, farm animals, competitions, and concerts, all of which take place during this summer celebration every year. However, this event's origins are more than 100 years old.

The first historic record of the San Diego County Fair took place on September 22 and September 23, 1880 when a group of San Diegans organized an agricultural fair in National City. This celebration's goal was to gather the county's farmers to exchange ideas, compete for the best citric fruits, demonstrate their baking skills, and show who had the fastest horse.

Back then, the winner list was published on the Premium List pamphlet. Among the main categories there were: agricultural products, fruits, mechanical products, textiles, and fine arts.

After this event's success, the San Diego County Fair was established as a yearly tradition and it was celebrated in several places in the county such as National City and Balboa Park, until it was moved to its current location at Del Mar Fairgrounds in 1936.

Starting in 1980, the San Diego County Fair became a yearly tradition to celebrate its 100th anniversary. During this period, its themes were all inspired by agricultural nature until 1998 when, due to the 150th anniversary of California, there was a thematic exhibition about the state's history.

It should be noted that the Del Mair Fairgrounds and the San Diego County Fair are part of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which was created by the state of California in 1891; they are the ones who organize the fair.

This district is managed by a board of directors with 9 members directly appointed by the governor of California. The board approves the district's policies, the themes, and the dates of the annual fair. To lead and manage the district's operations, the board appoints a managing director.

The San Diego County Fair has a very important role in the community as every year thousands of people gather together here to celebrate the traditions that reflect the state's diversity. Attendants are delighted by unique performances, special events, and artistic and agricultural exhibitions. This represents a bond between farmers and ranchers.

Throughout its history, the fair has been known by four names: San Diego County Fair from 1880 to 1953 and from 2022 to the current day; Southern California Exposition and San Diego County Fair from 1954 to 1969; Southern California Exposition from 1970 to 1982; and the Del Mar Fair from 1983 to 2001.

Since it began in 1880, the San Diego County Fair has only been suspended twice: during World War II and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Themes of previous years

Since the 1990s, the fair has had several different themes with activities and creative outfits based on them. Some of them are:

2023 "Get Out There": Happy campers were invited to explore their environment and disconnect at summer camp.

2022 "Heroes ReUnite!": Rides were filled with adrenaline with a powerful twist thanks to its superhero theme. Guests met local heroes that were even better than Superman.

2018 "How Sweet It Is!": People enjoyed thr flavors of summer with a variety of sweets, leaving behind the normal world.

2017 "Where the West Is Fun": It gave life to the Wild West and all its fanfare, providing attendants the opportunity to take part in the Wild West and learn about its history.

IMPORTANT INFO

For the 2024 edition of the San Diego County Fair, it is important that you know the following:

The San Diego County Fair will be closed on Mondays and Tuesday.

It is open from 11 AM to 10 PM every day.

All children will be admitted for free on Fridays.

You can purchase your tickets on the following link: https://www.sdfair.com/p/tickets

To learn more information and recommendations regarding the San Diego County Fair, check out the following article: Discover the San Diego County Fair: your definitive guide to enjoy it to the fullest

The 2024 theme of the San Diego County Fair is "Let's Go Retro" where you are invited on a nostalgic trip to the past, celebrating the fashion, music, pop culture, and fun of the decades between the 1950s and the 1990s. The San Diego County Fair will take place from June 12 to July 7 and you can purchase your tickets on its official website: https://www.sdfair.com/p/tickets

Learn everything about the San Diego County Fair on their official website and social media pages:

Website in Spanish: https://www.sdfair.com/spanish
Website in English: https://www.sdfair.com/
Facebook: @sdfair
Instagram: @sandiegocountyfair

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