In 2020, the live event industry faced an unprecedented crisis. The cancellation of the annual San Diego County Fair and hundreds of other events left the Del Mar Fairgrounds in a dire financial situation. Operating entirely on the revenue generated by its events, the venue was at risk of permanent closure.
The “Save The Fairgrounds” movement was born out of necessity. It was a call to action for the community of Southern California to reach out to state and federal representatives, advocating for emergency relief funding. Thanks to the massive coverage by local media outlets and the unwavering support of San Diego residents, awareness was raised about the cultural and economic importance of this historic venue.
Today, this campaign serves as a reminder of the power of community. It highlights how vital local entertainment, agricultural fairs, and community gatherings are to our regional identity. Moving forward, we continue to advocate for the support of local events and the venues that host them.