History: 1930 to 1939

1930

"The largest exhibit building in the world" was completed at a cost of $250,000. It measured 800' by 135' and had a stage at one end and seating for 16,000 people and was known as the "Palace of Agriculture." Attendance reached 265,213 people.

1931

The Fair was held in combination with the Southern California Fair, held for many years at Riverside. The Depression touched Pomona as it did the nation, and attendance dropped to 233,350.

1932

The Fair was presented as a tri-county fair, as the Orange County Fair joined Riverside County at the Los Angeles County Fair. The event remained a tri-county harvest festival through 1937. The fairgrounds, owned by the City of Pomona, and the buildings, owned by the Fair Association, were deeded to the County of Los Angeles. A new $204,000 concrete and steel grandstand was built. The structure combined with an exhibit hall, which housed the household arts exhibit in 12,000 square feet of space. The grandstand and exhibit hall combined to seat 12,500 people. The grandstand was officially dedicated on Sept. 17 by California Governor James Rolph Jr. Later, the governor outran a team of six horses which came roaring around the corner in the barn area. Today the grandstand is known as Fairplex Park and the hall houses the Education Expo exhibit. New horse and cattle barns were also added. Fair offices located in the community building on South Garey Avenue were moved to the Progress Bulletin building on Third Street in Pomona.

1933

Pari-mutuel wagering was legalized in California, and the Fair meeting became the first in Southern California to allow fans to bet on horse racing. Attendance leapt to 334,759 that year. Cowboy actor Monty Montana wed Louise Archer in front of the racetrack grandstand. Famous cowboy screen star Buck Jones was the best man. Montana rode to the altar aboard his trusted pinto, Comanche Spot, and Archer on Lady Spot.

1934

Following a big year in 1933, the Fair was extended to 16 days. The event grew to 17 days in 1935 and continued that way every year through 1980, except 1939, when it was extended to 24 days because of rain.

1935

A lagoon was constructed near the administration building, as were three new horse barns in the livestock area. The grandstand added dressing rooms, a stage and a sunken bandstand. The Fair inaugurated its wine competition, which is today the longest-running county fair competition and one of the most prestigious in the nation.

1936

A new arts and crafts building opened behind the administration building. The building was later used as a warehouse and is the current Administration II building.

1937

Construction of various buildings was aided by the government's Works Progress Administration, replacing tents used in previous years. The fine arts building, a new administration building, two buildings measuring 350’ x 100’ (Fairplex 5 & 6), a cafeteria (Anthony’s at the Fair) and several smaller structures were constructed. The livestock barns were completely destroyed by fire that year, but they were immediately rebuilt.

1938

Two more 350’ x 100’ buildings (Fairplex 7 & 8) were finished for rabbits and poultry and for youth exhibits. Among the visitors to the Fair was screen star Shirley Temple.

1939

A child care center and a home arts building were constructed. Sculptor Lawrence Tenny Stevens won a $2,500 contest to create a sculpture in front of the fine arts building. The stone monument is a salute to the young farmers of the nation. The Citrus Empire Model Railroad Club debuted its train exhibit. The Fair was extended to 24 days because of rain, but returned to 17 days the following year.