Nearly 1M Fairgoers Attend 2022 San Diego County Fair

SAN DIEGO, CA — Nearly 1 million people attended the San Diego County Fair this summer, after the annual event's two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 973,508 fairgoers visited the fair during its 21-day season, organizers announced Tuesday. The fair, which was canceled in 2020 and scaled back last year, opened June 8 and wrapped up with a fireworks-filled finale on the Fourth of July at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

"We're thrilled with the response we've received," said Katie Mueller, chief operating officer of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. "The smiles on the faces of fairgoers says it all. Guests are telling us how excited they are to have the fair back, as an annual trip to the fair is a favorite summertime family tradition that they've truly missed these past few years."

The fair, which first opened its doors in 1880, featured rides, concerts, exhibits, animals, vendors, food and drinks.

This year's theme was "Heroes, Re-Unite!" The Hall of Heroes theme exhibit offered a series of interactive challenges where guests could discover their super powers and engage with movie-quality props, including an authentic 1966 Batmobile.

The fair also honored local, real-life heroes. The stories of 33 community heroes were featured in the Hall of Heroes theme exhibit, as well as in a video tribute shown nightly in the Paddock.