“Madness” takes over fairgrounds for 2016 San Diego Fair

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — Friday marks the first day of the summer fair season for San Diego, and that means swarms of people heading to Del Mar for fried food and fast rides.

The San Diego County Fair is the largest annual event in San Diego County and the 2016 season, whose theme is “Mad About the Fair” is expected to draw large crowds as usual.

The theme takes the Lewis Carroll classic “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” and mixes in some steampunk and cosplay, organizers said. A Mad DJ Party is scheduled in the theme exhibit at 7 p.m.

An opening ceremony for the fair is scheduled Friday for 3:30 p.m. at the O’Brien Gate, and the public will be let in beginning at 4 p.m. Switchfoot will perform on the Grandstand Stage beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The fair will run 26 days through July 4. It will be closed Mondays — except for closing day — and the first two Tuesdays. General admission is $16, while a $26 pass allows admission each day.

Organizers urge the public to use public transit. A valid North County Transit District, Amtrak or Compass pass allows for a free shuttle ride from the Solana Beach train station.

The San Diego County Fair is one of the 10 largest Fairs in North America, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors annually.  Click here for more information.