With the 2024 San Diego County Fair approaching this year with a “Let’s Go Retro” theme, the Del Mar Fairgrounds Board of Directors voted April 9 to approve the themes for the following two years.

In 2025, there will be an “Unleash the Magic” pets theme. No pets allowed, per typical fair policy, but board President Frederick Schenk said “We may have a day or two where that may be an option.”

In 2026, the theme will be “Happily Ever After,” featuring themes related to classic children’s tales. Fairgrounds staff noted that “Winnie the Pooh” is a recent addition to the long list of children’s stories that are in the public domain, creating many possibilities for branding and themed attractions.

A recent policy requires fair board members to approve San Diego County Fair themes two years in advance to give staff enough time for planning, marketing and other preparations.

Promotion for this year’s fair, which runs from June 12 to July 7, includes the return of a program that allows local communities to hang banners that reflect the “Let’s Go Retro” theme with images that capture 1950s to 1990s style and props.

A total of 920 banners, an 11 percent increase from last year, have been installed so far, according to the fairgrounds.

“It’s not just back by popular demand, it’s improving due to popular demand,” said fairgrounds spokesperson Tristan Hallman.

Schenk, who was first appointed to the board in 2002, noted the growth of the banner program over the years.

“When I first came on the board, there were very few communities that were doing it, it was a handful,” he said. “It’s really impressive how this has grown and continues to grow.”

The fair, which usually ends on the Fourth of July, was extended through the weekend that ends on July 7. Tickets are on sale at the San Diego County Fair website at www.sdfair.com/

Harold writes for the U-T Community Press.