page_title: San Diego County Fair
section_title: Features
hierarchical_section_title: San Diego County Fair / Features
caption_attribution_description: English: A view of the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar, People stroll through the plant exhibit. Photograph by Patty Mooney, Crystal Pyramid Productions, San Diego, California.
context_page_description: The San Diego County Fair is a county fair held every summer at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California. The fair is a major draw for San Diego County residents; in recent years, attendance figures have risen above a million annually, reaching a record attendance of 1,609,481 in 2016. As of 2016, the San Diego County Fair was the largest county fair in the United States, and the fifth largest fair of any kind.
context_section_description: The fair features many musical and talent performances from artists of varying genres, from nationally known acts on the infield stage to local professionals to amateur groups. There are dozens of contests ranging from agricultural efforts to cooking to flower arranging.
  As with many county fairs, animal exhibits are abundant. There are also two buildings full of commercial exhibits. There are exhibits featuring San Diego County's heritage, as well as exhibits specially designed for the fair's theme, which changes annually, making the fair somewhat different each year. Next year's theme will be "Heroes Unite!"
  Children and students are honored in the Kids' Best and Student Showcase displays, which feature artwork created by students ranging from  kindergarten through community college. School yearbooks are displayed as well as woodworking, photography, and art projects constructed by high school students. All ages can display their talents in exhibits such as Design in Wood, photo and art shows, and Home and Hobby. Each day features a particular city or town in San Diego County.
  Food also is a feature of the fair, with more than 100 food booths. There are many fair classics as well as  other interesting or outrageous creations such as beef sundaes, fried Twinkies, and apple fries. Something new is added every year, such as fried cola in 2007, chocolate bacon in 2009, and fried butter in 2010. In 2015 the new Fair fare is an eclectic mix of pork and bacon to sweets and spice - and much more. 2019 saw the debut of the Buffalo Chicken Chimichanga. From Wasabi Bacon Bombs to Sriracha Corn Dogs, Deep-fried Slimfast Bars, and a Fireball Donut, there is a lot to eat and see at the San Diego County Fair.
  The Fourth of July brings events celebrating the United States' independence, including a parade and a large fireworks display in the evening.
  With an average daily attendance of more than 60,000 in 2014, it is the fourth largest fair in North America, and California's largest ever, surpassed in attendance only by the State Fair of Texas, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the Minnesota State Fair.
  Come 2021, once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, hand sanitiser stations will be added to prevent all diseases from spreading.
caption: San Diego County Fair Plant Exhibit, 2009
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