Fairplex

Fairplex is a 487-acre campus located in Pomona, California, that has been the site of the Los Angeles County Fair since 1922, attracting visitors from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange County. The fairgrounds have undergone significant transformations over the years, with contributions from notable figures such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles and Ray Eames, and Eero Saarinen. Fairplex has hosted various events, including the Los Angeles County Fair, NHRA Drag Racing, and Concerts featuring performers like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson.

● History

The history of Fairplex dates back to 1922, when the Los Angeles County Fair Association was established to promote Agriculture and Livestock in Los Angeles County. The fairgrounds were designed by Myron Hunt, a renowned Architect who also designed the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Over the years, Fairplex has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of the Pomona Valley Auditorium in 1949, which was designed by Welton Becket, a prominent Architect who also designed the Los Angeles Music Center and the Capital Records Building. Fairplex has also been influenced by notable events, such as the 1932 Summer Olympics, which were held in Los Angeles and featured athletes like Babe Didrikson and Jesse Owens, and the 1960s counterculture movement, which was led by figures like Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Andy Warhol.

● Facilities

Fairplex features a range of facilities, including the Pomona Valley Auditorium, which hosts Concerts and Theater productions, and the Fairplex Grandstand, which hosts NHRA Drag Racing and Rodeos. The fairgrounds also include the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts, which was designed by Millard Sheets, a prominent Artist and Architect who also designed the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Hollywood Bowl. Additionally, Fairplex is home to the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, which showcases a collection of Hot Rods and Racing Cars, and the Fairplex Garden Railroad, which features a miniature Railroad with Trains and Landscaping designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and Frederick Law Olmsted. Other notable facilities at Fairplex include the Pomona Valley Exhibition Center, which hosts Trade Shows and Conventions, and the Fairplex RV Park, which provides Recreational Vehicle parking and Camping facilities.

● Events

Fairplex hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including the Los Angeles County Fair, which attracts visitors from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange County. The fairgrounds also host Concerts featuring performers like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, as well as NHRA Drag Racing events, which feature drivers like Don Garlits and Shirley Muldowney. Other notable events at Fairplex include the Pomona Swap Meet, which features Classic Cars and Antiques, and the Fairplex Oktoberfest, which celebrates German Culture with Beer, Food, and Music. Fairplex has also hosted various Festivals, including the Pomona Festival of the Arts, which features Art and Music from local artists, and the Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition, which showcases Wine from California and around the world.

● Governance

Fairplex is governed by the Los Angeles County Fair Association, a non-profit organization that oversees the management and operation of the fairgrounds. The association is led by a Board of Directors that includes representatives from Los Angeles County, Pomona, and other surrounding cities. Fairplex is also supported by various Sponsors and Partners, including Toyota, Coca-Cola, and Anheuser-Busch, which provide funding and resources for events and facilities. The governance of Fairplex is also influenced by local and state Government Agencies, such as the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which provide oversight and regulation of the fairgrounds.

● Impact

The impact of Fairplex on the local community is significant, with the fairgrounds generating millions of dollars in revenue each year and supporting thousands of jobs in Pomona and surrounding cities. Fairplex also provides a range of Community Programs and Services, including Youth Programs and Agricultural Education initiatives, which promote Agriculture and Education in Los Angeles County. The fairgrounds have also been recognized for their contributions to Sustainability and Environmental Conservation, with initiatives such as Solar Power and Recycling programs. Overall, Fairplex is an important part of the cultural and economic fabric of Los Angeles County, with a rich history and a commitment to Community Development and Environmental Stewardship. Category:Venues in California