San Diego County Fair

The San Diego Fair has changed a lot over the years. Is it just me, or did things seem to go downhill when it went from being the Del Mar Fair to the San Diego Fair? Either way, it's still just that, a fair. But, gone are the days of where $20 could buy you a whole day of fun, unless you catch a wristband day, or other promotion, you are likely to shell out a whole lot more cash for a day of fun in the sun. The rides are ridiculously overpriced. You could spend a day at the overpriced Belmont Park and still spend less on rides then you would at the San Diego Fair. The games are just as overpriced, and your chances of winning them, are well, slim to none, unless you have either a great deal of skill, a large wad of money, or some pure dumb luck. The biggest "pain" about the overpriced games, is that when you do figure out a way to win, they give you a small prize to start off with, and then you play again and again to work your way up to a larger prize (when you cash in your smaller one, and pay to play again of course). The food at the San Diego Fair is wonderful, whether you like funnel cakes, pickles, corn dogs, cotton candy, or just about anything deep fried, and covered in sugar that you can possibly imagine. Of course, all of that high-fattening food comes at premium prices also. Then there are the exhibits, lots of exhibits from home and garden to products they say you "have to have", as well as fair souvenirs. If you spend money on admission, rides, games, and souvenirs, you can expect to spend a whole lot of money, for one day of fun in the sun. My best advice, if you are dying to visit the San Diego Fair, visit on a night when one of your favorite artists will be performing, the "free" included with the cost of admission concerts are one of the best benefits of paying to attend the overpriced San Diego Fair.

PROS: Lots to see and do for people of all ages.
CONS: All that fun really ads up fast.

Posted 04/19/06 | Report Abuse

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Every summer we go to the fair at least once. It is an all day event where we gorge on treats like corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake. The rides are fun- go on the big ferris wheel to get a view of the whole fair. One of my favorite things to do is see and pet the baby animals at the petting zoo. Bring lots of money because you will want to buy all sorts of things like and engraved bracelet to a airbrushed tshirt.

Posted 11/25/05 | Report Abuse

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The San Diego Fair--ahhh, I remember back when it used to be the Del Mar Fair. One should be prepared to gorge themselves silly on the food there. Battered potatos, ribs, funnel cakes, its all there! The rides in themselves are too expensive for what they are ranging from $2-$3 for a 5 minute ride. Add that onto the admission price of the fair itself, plus all that food being not so cheap...and going to the fair can cost you at least $40. Walk around inside the fair, stare at the sights, maybe play a few games...that's the best way to enjoy it.

PROS: Good food!
CONS: Too expensive

Posted 10/12/05 | Report Abuse

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The thing about the fair is that you should be prepared to come and gorge yourselves on the abundance of fair food there-- corn on the cob, cotton candy, funnel cake, turkey legs, polish sausages, etc! The rides are just ridiculously priced like $6-7 for the ferris wheel; id rather just walk around and absorb in the sights than pay that for a 1-2 minutes aerial view of the entire park. They have a lot of exhibits like of snakes and other animals too. They have concerts on the stages too but you'll have to pay extra to see those- this year they had Kelly Clarkson, who knows what next year may hold!? Be advised, wear sunscreen!

Posted 09/21/05 | Report Abuse

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The fair is a great place to hang out locally and just see all the great art and plant exhibits. The other great thing is the concerts and local talent around. The best thing is the food and the desserts, but the rides are better at amusements parks because they tickets were so expensive. For one decent ride, it was 6 tickets and we spent almost $50.00 on two of us and couldn't ride all the rides that we wanted.

Posted 07/26/05 | Report Abuse

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The Fair is great; with a varitety of booths and concerts it is a great place for a day out with your family or friends. The fair is interesting with museums and sand statues and arcades. It also has the best grilled corn in the states!

Posted 07/20/05 | Report Abuse

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This was my first time at the fair and it was such a great experience. From the moment you enter the gates, you just know its going to be a great time. The different booths and food is awesome. Lots of fun prizes..Get there early because it is pretty crowded in the evenings.

Posted 07/16/05 | Report Abuse

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I was highly disappointed with this. I had never been to this fair before (but I have been to Sacramento and LA's). I had been under the impression that it would either be free to get in or cheap, and then pay for things inside. But no, it was 11 dollars just to get in, plus 8 dollars for parking. Then, everything inside costs even more money. The rides are really expensive, and usually not worth it. The games are extremely difficult to win. The food was was pretty good, but not the prices.

Posted 07/07/05 | Report Abuse

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This year, I got to see the faire for six days from the perspective of a vendor. As I pounded the ground, I realized that you don't have to eat like a pig to enjoy one. Next to the woodworking exhibit, there is the Del Mar Deli booth featuring sandwiches at fair prices (about $5 for a 12"). The kind staff goes down a list with you so that they don't ad anything that you don't like. Yummy!

After filling your belly, see the demolition derby and monster car showcases performed daily which is much more impressive in person (but wear earplugs).

And if you are feeling a little grubby and need a pick me up, walk around the many demonstration booths and allow the exhibitionists to massage you, do your hair, your makeup, feed you, and then compliment you. You will walk out feeling like a million bucks without paying a cent!

PROS:
CONS: Caution: stay away from the fried snickersbar! Sick!

Posted 07/04/05 | Report Abuse

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The San Diego County Fair was formerly known as the Del Mar Fair, but still has remained the same for years. They offer good summer concerts, acts such as Cake, Jet, and the Violent Femmes have played there. This is a great local place to enjoy a summer day with your friends and family and have a good time.

Posted 06/29/05 | Report Abuse

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Being a long time San Diego resident, the San Diego Fair (the Del Mar Fair) has been something that has been part of my life since my childhood. The daily shows and performances from celebrities, games, food, and venues always keep the fair fresh and new every day. Ive actually spent an entire week there, just because its a blast for the whole family or with your friends.

Posted 06/27/05 | Report Abuse

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This place is pretty good but it is usualy very overcrowded. When you go to eat there it is almost impossible to find a place to sit. But besides that it is very good.

Posted 06/23/05 | Report Abuse

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this place used to be so much fun and it also used to be cheap. now you have to pay for everything, first there;s parking then the admission and then the food and rides. plus if you value your life then you wont ride them, cause remember there was a lady that did die there once.

Posted 06/21/05 | Report Abuse

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When the fair comes to town you know summer is right around the corner. The fair is a great place to get good food and spend your money. The selection of food here is unmatched with everything you could ever want. The rides are fun but a little shakey. Also they have those little foot massager things. Ahhh those are so nice on your feet after walking around all day and waiting in line. I love those things.

Posted 06/17/05 | Report Abuse

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This place is the one stop entertainment for the entire family. Mom can look through the home and garden section. The dad can watch the rodeo or car races. the kids can ride all the neat rides that are set up for all ages.

Posted 06/15/05 | Report Abuse

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At the Del Mar fair you can do anything. With all the shops, rides, food, and exhibits leave you with endless fun. Andd it has a very low entry fee.

Posted 06/09/05 | Report Abuse

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The Del Mar fair is one of the most fun places ever. I love trying the exotic foods such as deepfired snickers and chewing healthy bubblegum. The fair is where magic happens, I love that place.

Posted 06/07/05 | Report Abuse

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Its the most fun you will have over the summer, you will spend all of your money on some game that is nearly impossible yet the guys make it look easy.

Posted 06/05/05 | Report Abuse

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This place is amazing. The food is to die for and the rides are really fun. If only it was open annually instead of just in the summer, it would make it that much better.

Posted 05/18/05 | Report Abuse

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Going to the San Diego County Fair is something that gives me memories of my childhood. For half a month or so every summer, the Del Mar fairgrounds is turned into a fair, filled with animals, food, entertainment and fun. Every time I go, I check out the animal sound making contests from kids and milk some cows. This is a fair you have to experience at least once, and you'll love it forever.

Posted 05/10/05 | Report Abuse

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Any body who hasnt gone to the San Diego County Fari (also known as Del Mar Fair) has been missing out. Its a great place to spend a day our two. Theres so much to do there.

Posted 05/10/05 | Report Abuse

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The fair is a must see while in San Diego, it is kind of a culture thing. The place is filled with all kinds of cool stuff, sometimes anyway. They have all kinds of contests but I dont recommend all of them, for instance vegetable contests. Other wise it is a great place to spend a day but San Diego is very broad and there are also much cooler things to do than this.

Posted 05/02/05 | Report Abuse

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This is the perfect summer day. I love going to the fair, they have the best food and neat rides. They also have local schools artwork and project around the fair. It is very fun for all ages but it can get pricey if you go on a lot of the rides.

Posted 04/22/05 | Report Abuse

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The San Diego County Fair is known to just about everyone in San Diego. The people that work at the fair work on commission and boy are they good at what they do. You can guarantee that however much money you come into the fair with it will be gone when you leave. The games are expensive and the Carnies are always yellling "Come on give it a try!" Trust me the odds of winning a giant stuffed animal is very slim despite how easy it looks when the employees show you how to win. Remember they are there to make money not to give you a giant stuffed animal for the price of a dollar a try.

Posted 04/16/05 | Report Abuse

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ok. this place is awesome. i am so glad san diego is lucky to have a summer fair of this calibre every year. it's got remnants of the original county fairs with all of the contests you can enter. entry fees are very reasonable, and the prizes are even better. and of course, you have to go for fair food. delcious falaffel!!! they also have many rides as well. go on a tuesday for their 20 buck wristband to go on all the rides you want all day.

Posted 04/16/05 | Report Abuse

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They have everything from summer concerts to even vegatable growing contests. . For $15 you can ride the rides as much as you want which is freaking awesome. The food is also superb because its covered in grease

Posted 04/13/05 | Report Abuse

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The fair has some pretty nice rides and exhibits to check out. I really enjoy the rides. I recommend getting a ride bracelet so you can get unlimited rides for about $15. If you want to, you can also try your luck on the boardwalk, but good luck. There are delicious foods to eat too. Try the cinnamon rolls.

Posted 04/13/05 | Report Abuse

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Anyone who's lived in San Diego has been here before. They have everything from summer concerts to even vegatable growing contests. The games are fun but a rip off like any fair. I go the fair for the rides. Not only are they fun as hell, but since they are pretty ghetto, you have a good time making fun of it after. The admission is kinda costly and it cause give you sunburns but whatever. It's a county fair.

Posted 04/13/05 | Report Abuse

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