The 2013 L.A. County Fair wrapped its 24-day run with more than 1.4 million guests celebrating 91 years of education and entertainment with a Southern California audience it has courted since 1922. Community ties are strong with attendance and participation from residents throughout the Southern California region.
The fair brought new attractions like Pencils 2 Pixels – The Art of Animation, Beneath the Sea: An Underwater Adventure, and Star Trek: The Exhibition, to join returning favorites Fair- View Farms and thoroughbred horseracing.
Food and shopping continue to be the top reasons people come to the fair. More than 1,000 shopping vendors provided the merchandise with Miracle Whisk, cool towels and head jewelry at the top of the class. Food vendors brought back favorites and introduced new items such as the 1.5-pound Big Chic on a Stick and the Krispy Kreme Burger. Top food vendors were Juicy’s, Bubba’s Bad to the Bone BBQ and Chicken Charlie.
Horse racing returned for its 75th racing season, and was renamed Barretts Race Meet at Fairplex. Twilight Wednesdays brought strong crowds, great weather and high energy. Overall on-track attendance increased 7 percent and carryover pools attracted horseplayers and promoted spirited wagering.
“We’re thrilled to have presented a September to remember, an event embraced by Southern California residents and visitors,” said Chief Executive Officer Jim Henwood. “We deliver a destination filled with diverse exhibits, attractions and learning experiences that complement the mission of The Learning Centers at Fairplex, enhanced by the contributions and spirit demonstrated by our committed and dedicated volunteers and ambassadors. We love that our evenings continue to be a popular time for couples, families and friends to come out and play.”
The 11th annual High School Marching Band competition started with more than 40 Southern California high schools.
Cypress High School from Orange County emerged victorious and will represent its school and community when marching in the 2015 Tournament of Roses Parade.
The Battle of the Bands had 42 entries with Irvine’s “Breach the Summit” emerging victorious; second place was “Ben Babylon Band” from Agoura Hills; and rounding out the troika was “Chase Walker Band” from Riverside. The bands will perform in the 2014 Vans Warped Tour at Fairplex, another event that welcomes a broad Southern California audience.
The fair saluted 17 communities during the run of the event with daily parades, business expos and celebrations heralding 40 community heroes.
