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Amid a burst of thunderous applause, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger officially opened the 84th anniversary of the L.A. County Fair, the largest county fair in the nation and a major economic engine within Los Angeles County.
On a picture-perfect morning with blue skies above Pomona, Schwarzenegger lauded the efforts of Los Angeles Fair Association Chairman Stephen Morgan and Association President and CEO Jim Henwood for their efforts in making the Fair a premiere family attraction. The governor also recognized the significant economic impact the Fair provides to the city, the county and the state.
The Fair annually attracts 1.3 million visitors and contributes a major portion of the overall $11.6 million in state sales tax revenue generated by Fairplex, home of the Fair and more than 300 other events held throughout the year. The Fair ranks fourth in North American fairs and festivals in attendance. The Fair is also the largest marketplace in the western United States, with 2,000 commercial food and beverage vendors serving the multitudes of attendees. The result is nearly $176 million in spending for the state’s economy and more than $267 million for the nation’s economy.
After a brief ribbon cutting ceremony, the governor toured the America’s Kids/Education Expo exhibit “Leap Into Literature” with children from Yorba Elementary School in Pomona and Fairplex’s Child Development Center. Schwarzenegger was in awe of the beautiful artwork on display, submitted by students from schools throughout Southern California.
The Fair features an amazing array of exhibits, shopping, fun food experiences and carnival rides. It runs through Oct. 1, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Photos of the Governor’s visit available upon request.
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