2012 Southern California Fair – Lake Perris, CA

Ole October 6, 2012January 6, 2019 0 Comments inland empire, lake perris, southern california fair

We went to the opening night of the Southern California Fair last night at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds.

We haven’t been to this fair in quite a few years, so it was nice to get back out there and support our local fair. By the way, if you’re curious why it is called the Southern California Fair instead of the Riverside County Fair or the Lake Perris Fair (I was curious), visit the Fair’s history page.

FAIR HISTORY
The Southern California Fair sponsored by the 46th District Agricultural Association, was established in 1925 when a number of Riverside leaders lobbied for the first official fair for the region, known as the Southern California Fair, Riverside. With the onset of the Great Depression, the Fair was unable to operate. In 1936, it relocated and became known as the Hemet Utility Turkey Show. Held to generate interest in the turkey industry, the show became popular and other events were soon added.
In 1946, following World War II, the show became known as the Farmers Fair of Riverside County. In 1947, the 46th DAA acquired a 40-acre site in Hemet, where the Fair remained for 40 years. In 1987, the Fair moved to its present 108-acre site at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, adjacent to the Lake Perris recreational area. Since its move, the Fair has grown significantly in size, along with the surrounding community, to become one of the area’s largest annual events.

My favorite thing to do at this fair is watch the motorsports events in the arena. Last night we watched the figure eight trailer and car races, and we might go back next week to watch the monster trucks or demolition derby.

I didn’t notice any crazy food stands like the ones at the OC Fair. Maybe I missed them, but I didn’t see any fried butter, chocolate covered bacon, etc. stands anywhere. There is plenty to eat though… barbecue, Mexican food, corn dogs, hot dogs, funnel cakes, and more.