LA may be home to celebrities, and glitzy and glamorous culture, but every year in September and October its residents get 'a fair to remember,' the LA County Fair, to be precise. Let's not forget, California is also the location of John Steinbeck's agriculturally inspired novels. Thanks to the rustic festival event, once a year, we get to abandon soy lattés and diets in favor of milking cows, petting horses, stuffing our faces with fair food, and general family fun at the Fairplex in Pomona.
The LA County Fair features horticulture, agriculture, entertainment, education, arts, horse racing, science and technology attractions. The family-friendly festival event is accessible from Metrolink's San Bernardino line trains. After its Labor Day weekend opening, the LA County Fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
LA County Fair History
The LA County fair may be young by other towns' standards, but around these parts it's as old as the hills. Originated in 1922, it has the distinction of being the largest county fair in North America (ranking in the top 10 of all North American fairs). The annual festivities originally lasted a few days but have since grown in popularity and expanded to about a month. Fair attendance has even topped 1 million people.
Something for the Whole Family at the LA County Fair
There's something for the whole family—parents, grandparents, kids, uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces—at the LA County Fair. Some of those family-friendly features include:
- The Budweiser Clydesdales perform by the Palms Marketplace.
- Parades honor local communities.
- All Creatures Barnyard Racers, a group of fast racing pigs run through the mud for your viewing pleasure.
- Live music performances from the Summertime Concert Series. Some headlining performers have included Jessica Simpson and The Village People.
- Special performances like the aerial high wire show put on by The Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean.
- Circus regulars like the Stars of the Peking Acrobats from China perform.
Especially for Adults:
- Adults of legal drinking age can check out the fair's Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Marketplace where wine, beer and other spirits flow along with olive oil.
- Watch live horse-racing with a satellite wagering facility.
- The LA County Fair raffle has featured some great grand prizes like a 1965 Corvette Sting Ray and an ocean cruise for two to Alaska.
Especially For Young Adults:
- Winners of the fair's High School Marching Band Competition are invited to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade in the Winter.
Especially For Grandparents and Senior Citizens:
- The Senior Health Fair features products, information, health screenings and entertainment of value and interest to mature adults.
Check out the latest news on this year's fair at the LA County Fair website
