Did you buy a chocolate chip cookie or a Hot Cheetos Chicken Sandwich at the San Diego County Fair this summer?
Did you attend the Los Tigres Del Norte concert or speed down the Fast Trax Slide?
If so, you chose some of the favorite flavors and activities at the 22-day fair, which drew 997,720 — slightly over last year’s turnout.
More than 160,282 cookies were sold by Mom’s Bakeshoppe, and more than 1,100 Hot Cheetos Chicken Sandwiches (the Best of Show winner of the first-ever Fairtastic Food Competition) were sold by Biggy’s.
Also, 7,520 people paid to watch Los Tigres Del Norte in the Toyota Summer Concert Series. And more than 84,213 descended the rainbow Fast Trax Slide.
Performances by hip-hop star Nelly, and movie star, comedian Kevin Hart were the next most popular grandstand acts.
Those are just a few numbers released by the 22nd District Agricultural Association about the fair that ended July 4.
Joker 360 was the most popular new ride with about 36,300 riders. Crazy Mouse riders exceeded 83,416 visitors, and the two Ferris wheels attracted more than 121,440 riders.
However, some visitors left their belongings at the fairgrounds. More than 700 items were turned into Guest Services during the fair, more than 225 of which were cellphones (most have been picked up).
More than 159 credit cards were left behind, 58 wallets, 41 IDs or driver’s licenses, 48 sets of keys, 67 backpacks and lunch boxes, 42 pairs of eyeglasses, 30 pieces of jewelry and 29 pieces of kid’s clothing were among the abandoned items.
If the last time you saw a belonging was at the fair, you can call 858-794-1124 to set up an appointment to retrieve your lost item. Someone will be on site July 10-15 to assist.
Unclaimed items will be donated in September.
Fair officials said this year they worked to limit overcrowding by capping daily ticket sales, reducing long food stands and rides waits and improving parking and traffic challenges.
In the last days of the fair, visitors were encouraged to seek offsite parking as it main location reached capacity.
The fair also introduced cashless admissions and parking fees. Also, it didn’t schedule major grandstand concerts on the historically busiest days, and limited free admissions, especially during the final weekend to avoid overcrowding.
More than 1,000 people were hired to keep the fair going.
“This fair is about education, tradition, economic opportunity, innovation, partnerships and, of course, family friendly fun,” said Carlene Moore, CEO of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which produces the annual San Diego County Fair. “In these ways, we believe this year’s fair was a smashing success.”
About 359 youths ages 9-18 took part in the Junior Livestock Auction and 486 animals were entered into livestock competition.
Charley “Chicken Charlie” Boghosian paid $27,867 for the FFA Market Beef Grand Champion Beef from exhibitor Clayton Critz of Fallbrook.
More than $482,739 was raised on the sale of 228 animals to 90 buyers during the livestock auction, an increase of more than $59,000 from 2022.
Other county fair numbers for 2023:
6,400: Estimate of donated stuffed animals that will be distributed to children’s hospitals in the region through the Care ‘N’ Share program.
9,187: Competitive exhibits ribbons awarded.
12,000+: Tickets distributed through the Fair-for-All Program to local nonprofits and community organizations.
18,279: Kids 12 and under who received free admission on Fridays for Kids Days.
57,956: Total attendees of the Toyota Summer Concert Series on the Corona Grandstand Stage.
89,537: Riders who took the Sky Ride through July 3.
