History of San Diego County Fair in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 19, 2025

The San Diego County Fair is an annual summer fair held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, California. Established in 1880, it's the longest-running event in San Diego County, offering a mix of entertainment, agricultural exhibits, and carnival attractions.

1917: Fair Cancellation

In 1917, the San Diego County Fair was cancelled due to World War I.

1936: Queen of the Fair

From 1936, the winner of the beauty pageant was called Queen of the Fair.

1936: Del Mar Fairgrounds Opening

In 1936, the San Diego County Fair settled on the Del Mar Fairgrounds when it opened after moving from place to place for several years.

1940: Raquel Welch Born

In 1940, actress Raquel Welch (Raquel Tejada) was born.

1942: Fair Cancellation

In 1942, the San Diego County Fair was cancelled due to World War II.

1947: Don Diego portrayal

From 1947, Don Diego, portrayed by Spanish actor Tom Hernández, became the official greeter and host of the fair.

1947: Title Changed to Fairest of the Fair

In 1947, the title of the beauty pageant winner was changed to Fairest of the Fair.

1953: Name Change

In 1953, the San Diego County Fair was known as The San Diego County Fair.

1954: Name Change

In 1954, the fair was known as the Southern California Exposition and San Diego County Fair.

1958: Fairest of the Fair

In 1958, Raquel Tejada, better known as actress Raquel Welch, won Fairest of the Fair.

1969: Name Change

In 1969, the fair was known as the Southern California Exposition and San Diego County Fair.

1970: Name Change

In 1970, the fair was known as the Southern California Exposition.

1979: Most Memorable Contestant

In 1979, Marlene Rosas of El Cajon was the Most Memorable Contestant.

1982: Name Change

In 1982, the fair was known as the Southern California Exposition.

1983: Name Change

In 1983, the fair was known as the Del Mar Fair.

1984: Death of Tom Hernandez

In 1984, Tom Hernández, the actor portraying Don Diego, passed away.

1986: Don Diego Fund Established

In 1986, the fair established a scholarship fund in honor of Don Diego, called the Don Diego fund.

1998: Adoption of a Theme

Since 1998, the San Diego County Fair has adopted a theme.

2001: Name Change

In 2001, the fair was known as the Del Mar Fair.

2002: Name Change

In 2002, the San Diego County Fair was known as The San Diego County Fair.

2003: Spanish Versions of the Theme

In 2003, Spanish versions of the theme were created to spearhead marketing campaigns for the Hispanic community in San Diego County plus Baja California.

2003: Disqualified entry

In 2003, there was legal wrangling over a disqualified entry involving Raquel Rusing.

2004: Pageant Discontinued

In 2004, the beauty pageant was discontinued due to high costs and legal wrangling over a disqualified entry in 2003.

2007: Fried Cola Debut

In 2007, fried cola was introduced as a new food item at the San Diego County Fair.

2009: Chocolate Bacon Debut

In 2009, chocolate bacon was introduced as a new food item at the San Diego County Fair.

2010: Fried Butter Debut

In 2010, fried butter was introduced as a new food item at the San Diego County Fair.

2014: High Attendance

In 2014, with an average daily attendance of more than 60,000, the San Diego County Fair became the fourth largest fair in North America, and California's largest ever.

2015: New Fair Fare

In 2015, the new Fair fare is an eclectic mix of pork and bacon to sweets and spice.

2019: E. coli Outbreak

In 2019, after visiting farm animals at the fair, a 2-year-old boy died and three others were sickened; they had contracted pathogenic E. coli, and the child had developed a kidney infection.