The San Diego County Fair Opens June 10th and Celebrates 75 Years

The San Diego County Fair is almost here, otherwise known as the “Del Mar Fair” and is celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year with the theme “Race to the Fair” celebrating everything about cars, Cars, CARS!

As Southern California is a mecca for car clubs and car enthusiasts from around the world, the Fair decided to feature exotic cars, luxury cars, “star” cars, muscle cars, low riders, Southern California car culture and more.

In addition to the anniversary fare, the Fair will have more than 100 food vendors, great commercial exhibitors, thrill rides and attractions, the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower and Garden Show, a fun and educational Theme Exhibit, and a fantastic lineup of headliner entertainment with the Toyota Summer Concert Series.

This year’s Fair will run from June 10th through July 4^th and will be closed the first three Mondays, June 13, 20 and 27.

The San Diego County Fair has been a fixture on the Del Mar Fairgrounds since October 1936. This year the 2011 San Diego County Fair will feature a special 75th Anniversary exhibit at Surfside Race Place to tell the story of the Fairgrounds featuring: A look back at the history of the San Diego County Fair and a retrospective of thoroughbred horse racing and auto racing at the Fairgrounds.

In the early days of the Fair, the event was held in Escondido, Oceanside and Balboa Park. But the Fair found a permanent home in Del Mar in January of 1936, as the Works Progress Administration awarded San Diego County a half-million dollar grant to build the Fairgrounds on what was the old Del Mar Golf Course. Construction began immediately and the first County Fair in Del Mar opened on October 8, 1936.

The San Diego County Fair is the largest annual event in San Diego County and the sixth largest fair in the United States. The 2010 Fair hosted more than 1.3 million guests and hit an all-time attendance record.

Gates open daily at 11 a.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m., Saturdays, Sundays and Monday, July 4. Admission is $13 for adults; $7 for ages 6-12 and 62 and older; and free for ages 5 and younger.

For more information about the Fair, go to the Fair website, www.sdfair.com. Facebook fans will find the Fair at www.facebook.com/sdfair, Twitter fans can get updates and special offers at twitter.com/sdfair and those on the go can use the Fairgrounds’ mobile phone website at m.sdfair.com. (The mobile phone link only works when accessed on a mobile phone.)

Other upcoming attractions in May at the Del Mar Fairgrounds are:

Del Mar Electronics and Design Show | May 5-6

Live telecast and wagering on the Kentucky Derby at Surfside Race Place | May 7

20th Annual Pug Party | May 7

Del Mar Western Day Pro Rodeo | May 14

San Diego Derby Dolls | May 14 & 21

Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge | May 21