History of San Diego County Fair in Timeline
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.
5 hours ago : San Diego County Fair: A weekend of fun, activities, and Father's Day celebrations.
The San Diego County Fair offers diverse activities this weekend. Alongside Father's Day events, it promises fun for everyone in San Diego. Enjoy the celebrations!
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.
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.
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.
2019: Debut of the Buffalo Chicken Chimichanga
In 2019, the Buffalo Chicken Chimichanga debuted at the San Diego County Fair.
2020: Fair Cancellation
In 2020, the San Diego County Fair was cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023: Raquel Welch Death
In 2023, actress Raquel Welch (Raquel Tejada) died.
2023: Theme "Get Out There!"
In 2023, the theme for the San Diego County Fair was "Get Out There!".
Mentioned in this timeline
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