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About Us

Making Memories Since 1936

WHO WE ARE

The 22nd District Agricultural Association owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds as an institution of the State of California, and is governed by a nine-member board appointed by the governor. Fairgrounds operations are primarily funded by revenues generated by hosting events, the largest being the annual San Diego County Fair.

OUR PURPOSE

We are a timeless community treasure where all can flourish, connect, and interact through year-round exceptional experiences.

OUR MISSION

We connect our community through shared interests, diverse experiences, and service to one another in an inclusive, accessible, and safe place with an emphasis on entertainment, recreation, agriculture, and education.

OUR VISION

We will be the community’s iconic place for social interaction and cultural expression, honoring traditions, embracing innovation, celebrating excellence, and having fun.

Agriculture – the growth and farming of food, flowers & fiber – is what originally brought San Diegans together for the annual fair. By holding competitions to see who grew the sweetest citrus, who baked the tastiest pie, and who had the fastest horse, the San Diego County Fair was born in 1880 in National City.

Just after the turn of the century, in an effort to promote and encourage local farming and industry, the California Legislature formally organized agricultural associations throughout the state, and the 22nd District Agricultural Association (22nd DAA) was established in San Diego.

In 1936, the 22nd DAA purchased the property at the mouth of the San Dieguito River, now known as the Del Mar Fairgrounds, to host the annual county fair.

That first year, more than 50,000 guests attended the San Diego County Fair’s 10-day event.

One year later, the Del Mar Turf Club began leasing the racetrack for its annual live thoroughbred horse race meet. Famed blue-eyed crooner Bing Crosby welcomed guests through the turnstiles.

Generations of San Diegans have made the annual fair and race meet part of their summer tradition.

Today, the Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts a large variety of events across three distinct properties:

Del Mar Fairgrounds • 212-acre main campus and home to the administrative offices
Surf & Turf Recreational Facilities & RV Park • 48-acres just east of the Fairgrounds, across Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar Horsepark • 64-acre equestrian center, located at Via de la Valle and El Camino Real

Events hosted at the Fairgrounds fall into three categories:

Events produced by the 22nd DAA, the largest being the annual San Diego County Fair.
Events and activities produced by operators under agreements established with the 22nd DAA.
Events and activities staged at the Del Mar Fairgrounds by third-party promoters, which include concerts and festivals, trade shows and consumer expos, equestrian competitions and animal shows, sporting events, fundraisers and personal celebrations.

OUR VALUES

FUN

Celebrating the ordinary and the extraordinary in unique ways.

A+ quality

Creating exceptional and memorable experiences.

INTEGRITY

Being responsible to our community, the environment and to one another.

RESPECT

Providing an inclusive and interactive place where all people can connect.

SERVICE

Purposeful and inspiring engagement.