San Diego County Fair

The San Diego County Fair began a tradition of annual themes starting in 1980, when the Fair celebrated 100 years. The themes were agricultural in nature until 1998, when the celebration of California's Sesquicentennial lent itself to a theme exhibit on the state's history.

Note of interest:

The Fair has been known by three names during its history: The San Diego County Fair from 1880 to 1953 and from 2002 to present, the Southern California Exposition and San Diego County Fair from 1954 to 1969, the Southern California Exposition from 1970 to 1982, and the Del Mar Fair from 1983 through 2001. These names are sometimes reflected in the theme.

History

In 1880, a group of San Diegans organized an agricultural fair to bring county farmers together to share ideas, see who had the best citrus fruit, who baked the best pie, and who had the fastest horse. After that first fair, the county fair was held annually with a few exceptions in various county locations until 1936, when it moved to its present Del Mar home. During World War II, the Fair was suspended, but has taken place in Del Mar annually since 1946.

2011 marked the 75th anniversary of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Fair commemorated this milestone with a special exhibit and merchandise.

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