SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — The San Diego County Fair is back at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on June 8, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with all the "fan-fair" of years past. Food, gadgets, rides, exhibits, animals, games, concerts--all back. The theme of the 2022 fair is San Diego County Fair Heroes Reunite. The fair runs through July 4.
For this News 8 Throwback, we're looking back at the Del Mar Fair through the decades with all the fair essentials in these stories from the vault. These clips capture memories of the fair from decades past and prove some things have changed, but much remains the same - even the pig races!
Heading to the San Diego County Fair? We’ll be there too! CBS 8 wants to hear from you at the CBS 8 “pop-up” newsroom at the fair. Let us know what’s on YOUR mind as we’re always “Working for You.”
San Diego County Fair in 1967
June 21, 1967: This was picture day at the county fair. Don Diego--Tommy Hernandez--and the Fairest of the Fair and her court posed for photographers. The girls took a short run over to the flower show, which had 50% more entries that year as compared to 1966. The picture tour of the fairgrounds was captured on a delightful device called the scrambler; one of the attractions at the fair’s midway. Some 400,000 people were expected for the 12-day run.
Animals at the Del Mar Fair 1984
Just like every year at the Del Mar Fair (now the San Diego County Fair), animals were on display in 1984. News 8's Dave Cohen spoke with those who hand-raised the livestock about their various creatures. Some were being judged while others were part of exhibitions at the fair. The owner of a young mustang named Santana mentioned he wasn't used to being out and the horse seemed to agree.
San Diego County Fair History as told in 1986
In 1986, News 8's John Culea explored the then 50-year history of the San Diego County Fair. The first fair was held in October but wet weather pushed it to August in following years and eventually it moved to June and July as it is held now. The fair was known by different names over the years: San Diego County Fair, Southern California Exposition, and the Del Mar Fair. In pictures from the first fair, attendees are seen dressed in their best for the event with many donning hats. Admission was 50 cents in 1936 and John noted it was 10 times that in 1986.
John's report also includes the history of a character from the fair - Don Diego - who was portrayed by Tom Hernandez for 17 years. Posing alongside the many beauty queens at the fair, Don Diego was always the dashing caballero.
Del Mar Fair Food 1989
A day at the fair isn't complete without indulging in fantastic fair food. News 8's Unknown Eater went every year and made great suggestions to fair-goers. In 1989, he stopped by County Fair Cinnamon Rolls--the best of the best. Calories? Who's counting? Monterey Bay Calamari looks delicious. Olibolle was a hit--one woman said "I came here to eat and these are the best things so far." Eater said they're basically fried dough with fruit and sugar on top. An ear of corn is always a good and healthy choice. His favorite was Pignotti's Pasta where the pasta was handmade.
Last day of the Del Mar Fair 1989
More than a million people attended the fair in 1989 and that was a record according to News 8's Mitch Duncan. Those who attended the last day on the 4th of July were treated to a Crystal Gayle concert. A band entertained the folks on the midway--setting the mood for the nation's birthday.
Larry Himmel at the Del Mar Fair 1990
Larry says every reporter in the city covers the Del Mar Fair, and on this day, he had the lucky assignment. It's safe to say no reporter did a story like this. In his signature style, he insults a carnival worker, pretends a game hurts him, teases a Hot Dog on a Stick employee, introduces himself to Miss Lakeside and Miss Santee as Mr. Ocean Beach, and proclaims his favorite ride is the Footsie Wootsie. He leaves the midway and enters Bing Crosby Hall where he finds Dave, a middle-aged man contemplating getting his ear pierced--not sure if Larry convinced him--but the next shot is the gun piercing Dave's ear. Last stop is the photo booth because it's a fair tradition. A nice family agrees to let Larry join them in the booth...a keepsake indeed.
Swifty Swine Pig Race at Del Mar Fair 2000
News 8 photojournalist Steve Zimbelman caught the excitement of pig racing...a highlight of the Del Mar Fair. Young fair-goers especially loved watching all the hog wild action and shared their pig impressions with News 8. See the swine move swiftly around the track--such a fun sight!!
San Diego County Fair in 2005
June 2005 Jeff Zevely talked to fairgoers of all ages and asked what they love about the San Diego County Fair. The theme that year was Cinema Summer. Jeff Goldberg was there on a perfect June gloom day. Reviews were mixed about whether or not it affected attendance.