2016 Ventura County Fair closes with brilliance. Photo by John Ferritto
The Ventura County Fair’s Board of Directors, management, and staff are proud to report that the 2016 Fair was a success. Celebrating the finest from throughout Ventura County, the 141st edition closed with record numbers in all categories. Visitors came from near and far to enjoy “A Country Fair with Ocean Air” during the 12-day run, August 3 through August 14.
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 new attractions, which included Star Child Stilt Circus, who delighted young and old as they strolled through the Fair. Adding to the attraction were exciting new carnival rides, including the Flipper and the F-80. Tasty new food offerings like Deep Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly and Birthday Cake Crepes pleased the taste for summer treats.
Total Attendance for 2016 was a record 332,262; up 4.5% from 2015’s attendance of 318,113. The previous record Fair attendance was set in 2013 with 329,061 Fair visitors.
“We go all out to bring Ventura County a better Fair every year,” said CEO Barbara Quaid. “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 are committed to offering a clean, safe and fun experience that will create cherished memories”
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 2016 Ventura County Fair, planning is already underway for the 2017 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 and receptions, motorcycle and automobile shows, camping groups, swap meets and much more.
The Ventura County Fair entertained thousands of guests and 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.
