History: 2000 – 2007

2000

Red Gate and Yellow Gate were reconfigured for one new entrance at Yellow Gate; new signage was introduced; The “WOW” exhibit in Fairplex 7A was “Expedition Earth”; horse racing received a new paddock; Thunder Alley was added on Redwood Street; grandstand entertainment appeared Fridays through Sundays throughout the Fair. The Republican presidential candidate, George W. Bush, cut the opening day ribbon.

2001

The Fair closed for the first time since World War II when on Sept. 11 terrorists attacked the United States. It reopened on Sept. 12. On Sept. 14 Fair attendees were asked to donate $1 in lieu of regular Fair admission. Through the generosity of Fairguests on that day $250,000 was donated to the Red Cross Disaster Fund for the victims and families of the tragedy. Court of the Redwoods was renovated and the Ranchero carving was relocated near the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts. Plaza de las Américas (formerly Fiesta Village) underwent a name change and a new look. The livestock area became FairView Farms to combine the animals and agriculture.

2002

The Los Angeles County Fair Association signed an agreement with Magna Communications to hold the L.A. County Fair horseracing meet at Santa Anita Park. The California Horse Racing Board denied the application by a vote of 4-1. The board felt that the L.A. County Fair racing meet was of value and unique to the industry. Fairplex Equine Sales, LLC finalized an agreement to purchase the general partner interest in Barretts Equine Ltd. from Barrette Equine Sales, owned by Fred N. Sahadi. The Fair Association was previously a minority owner and limited partner in the enterprise. The Flower and Garden Pavilion, Clock Tower and Plaza de las Américas all celebrated 50th anniversaries. James R. Kostoff, chairman of the board of the Los Angeles County Fair Association since 1983, retired and assumed the title of director emeritus. Stephen C. Morgan became the chairman of the board. The Williams fire raged in the nearby Glendora foothills during the Fair from Sept. 22-Oct. 1 consuming 37,240 acres. The 210-freeway extension opened late in November 2002 providing another easily accessible route to Fairplex. The Fair was a 17-day event, opening on a Friday.

2003

The U.S. invaded Iraq on Thursday, March 20, 2003. The CDC expanded to add another classroom and accommodate 175 children. The NHRA Motorsports Museum was renamed Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in honor of founder Parks on his 90th birthday in February 2003. The Super Diner assumed the name Sunset Cabana and Barn 9A became the Big Red Barn. The Millard Sheets Center for the Arts recreated a vignette from the 1954 House Beautiful exhibit in the gallery. The historic Clocktower was restored to the color red it sported from 1952 to the early 80s. Fairplex 8A was demolished in 2003 making room for a trade and convention center. As a result of title research conducted in 2003, parcels of L.A. County Fair land total 543 acres (previously listed 487). Five single day attendance records were broken during the 2003 L.A.C.F. There were nine daily records in horse racing handle and a record-handle overall.

2004

Vision and diversity were manifested with the creation of Cornucopia Foods LLC, a new business formed by the corporation to manage the Fairplex year-round food and beverage operation effective on April 1, 2004. In conjunction with the new company, Anthony’s at the Fair was renamed Avalon and underwent menu changes to complement the new name and renovations to the facility. The Citrus Empire Model Railroad took its exhibit off-site in 2004. The exhibit had been located on the ground floor of the grandstand since 1949. Longtime Fair exhibition, A Tapestry of Tradition found a new home on the ground floor of the grandstand (now called The Village on Broadway), Education Expo and America’s Kids both moved to Fairplex 7A; the annual Fair feature attraction will now be in Fairplex 22. White Avenue underwent major renovations, a joint beautification effort with Fairplex and the city of Pomona.

2005

The Fair became an 18-day event for the first time since 2000. New programming included closing on Mondays and Tuesdays with a fourth weekend added. With the additional weekend fifteen nights of grandstand entertainment were featured. Horse racing dates were Sept. 9-26, with Tuesdays dark and closing day on Monday. Traditionally Mondays and Tuesdays are the lowest attendance days and weekends are still the first-choice for attending events. The Village on Broadway became the home of Tapestry, Culinary Styles and the ConAgra Foods Gourmet Kitchen. The County of Los Angeles upgraded and renovated the storm drains throughout the Fairplex grounds. The Millard Sheets Gallery received a front entry that was compliant with ADA requirements and the landmark Clock Tower was removed. A temporary structure took its place, and the Fair’s meeting place tradition continued.

2006

The Fair repeats its 18 day format, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. In place of a feature attraction, Winter Wonderland was devised for Fairplex 8. To have buildings numerically sequential, Fairplex 7A became Fairplex 9 and Fairplex 22 was renamed Fairplex 10. Fairplex 8 underwent extensive renovation prior to the Fair; eight luxury suites constructed on the eastside bleachers at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona anticipate completion prior to the 2006 November World Finals. The seven founding fathers of the Fair were inducted into the LACFA Hall of Fame at the annual meeting in April 2006.

2007

New vision and mission statements were adopted by the Association (see page 7). The long-standing Wines of the World competition became The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition to better reflect its full breadth and increase its value to wine consumers and the public. The Millard Sheets Gallery, renamed in 1994, underwent another change to reflect Fairtime and year-round educational programming and goals, and is now known as Millard Sheets Center for the Arts at Fairplex. Plans for the Trade and Conference Center move forward. A strategic plan was adopted to guide Fairplex’s future development. An 18-day Fair, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, will continue. The LACFA Hall of Fame welcomed Fred Freehling, Clyde Houston and Robert Lewis.