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San Diego County Fair allowed to sell tickets, legal battle continues

"We are doing everything we can to preserve a full carnival midway at the Fair."

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — It appears the San Diego County Fair will go on as scheduled, despite a legal battle that continues behind the scenes.

"I want to assure everyone we are doing everything possible to preserve a full carnival midway at the fair. We must ensure whatever solution we come up with is fair and equitable and complies with the law," said G. Joyce Rowland, President of the 22nd District Agricultural Association (TDAA), the public agency that manages and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds and the San Diego County Fair. 

Her announcement was made during a board meeting on Tuesday, just hours after a judge ruled he will not issue a stay on a preliminary injunction against TDAA.

TDAA is being sued by Talley Amusements, one of the companies that bid on a multi-million dollar contract to operate rides, games and some food vendors at the fair.

Talley argues there is favoritism and corruption when it comes to the bidding process. 

During Tuesday’s hearing, an attorney for TDAA argued the fair may be put in jeopardy if the judge refused to lift the injunction.

Fair officials said that they are considering all options, and hope to make a decision as to how to proceed in the coming days.

Read the full statement released by the 22nd District Agricultural Association sent on April 12:

"On April 5, 2022 the San Diego Superior Court issued a procedural ruling that stopped the 22nd DAA from proceeding with the current Master Carnival Operator (“MCO”) contract for the 2022 Fair. Earlier today, the Court issued a subsequent order that, while declining to stay that ruling while the DAA pursues its appeal rights, allows the Fair to restart selling tickets for a midway at this summer’s Fair. 

We are doing everything we can to preserve a full carnival midway at the Fair. 

We are continuing discussions with the involved parties about a modified contract and we remain hopeful that we can reach a meaningful and appropriate resolution very soon. However, we cannot simply hand over the contract to the plaintiffs or anyone else in this case -- we must follow a process that ensures that whatever solution we come up with is fair and equitable and complies with the law. 

We will continue to provide updates as they become available."

WATCH the 22nd DAA April 12 board meeting which included discussion regarding the status of the 2022 San Diego County Fair

WATCH RELATED: San Diego County Fair's amusement rides could be in jeopardy. (Apr 6, 2022)

    

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