The Ventura County Fair is proud to report another successful Fair. Celebrating the diverse traditions of Ventura County, the 142nd edition, “Rooted in Tradition” closed with success in all categories. Visitors came from near and far to enjoy the 12-day run, August 2 through August 13.
The Ventura County Fair’s mission is to preserve, promote, and showcase agriculture and the traditions of Ventura County, this was accomplished with competitive livestock and horse shows, agricultural exhibits and baking contests.
Fairgoers were greeted with an abundance of attractions, which included Leroy and Lee’s Flea Circus, Star Child Stilt Circus, who delighted young and old as they strolled high above the Fair, and Slim and Curly, the wise cracking cowboys who made people laugh everywhere they went. Adding to the attraction were exciting new carnival rides, including the Olympic Bobsled Roller Coaster and the delightful Happy Swing. Tasty new food offerings like Deep Fried Pineapple and Belgian Waffles on a Stick pleased the taste for new summer treats while the mini donuts and turkey legs satisfied the cravings of Fairgoers.
Total Attendance for 2017 was 305,746; off from 2016’s record attendance of 332,262.
“We do everything we can to bring Ventura County a better Fair every year,” said CEO Barbara Quaid, sharing the Fair’s winning formula; “For us the focus is not about the numbers of people coming through the gates, but about the quality of the experience our guests have at the Fair. We measure our success by the number of smiles on the faces of the Fairgoers. We are committed to offering a clean, safe and fun experience that people will remember forever.”
As is the case every year, overall success would not be possible without the tremendous support of the sponsors and the community. While the gates have closed on the 2017 Ventura County Fair, planning is already underway for the 2018 Fair.
The Ventura County Fairgrounds consists of a 62.5-acre parcel and operates as a multi-purpose, multi-functional, year-round facility accommodating a variety of events. Regarded as a premier rental facility, the Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center attracts some of the most popular shows and attractions in the county throughout the year, including livestock shows, dog shows, horse shows, home and recreation shows, concerts, dances, business expos, weddings, quinceañeras and receptions, motorcycle and automobile shows, camping groups, swap meets and much more.
The Ventura County Fair entertained thousands of guests and participants. It employs up to 700 seasonal staff during the annual 12-day event. With annual attendance of over 300,000 visitors to the Fair, the communities throughout Ventura County share in the economic vitality derived from the Ventura County Fair. The Fair brings economic, social, educational, and cultural resources and provides lasting impressions on Fairgoers. While agriculture is the heart of the Fair, it’s the diverse entertainment that typically draws Fairgoers through the gates. Known for free top name concerts, we take pride in the overall dynamics and diversity of the entertainment, the esthetics and cleanliness of the grounds, as well as the vast educational and innovative exhibits that are showcased throughout the Fair each year.
