San Diego County Fair Opens Friday

DEL MAR, CA – Grab your cowboy hat and boots and ride into Del Mar because the San Diego County Fair is back Friday.

The 26-day fair will feature the "Where the West is Fun" theme exhibit, which includes a collection of Native American advertising that's headed for the Smithsonian Institution, according to organizers. A Frontier Theater will also continuously play Western films and TV shows.

On Saturday, a herd of 200 cattle will be driven through the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego by 40 cowboys and their cattle dogs.

This year's concert lineup includes several artists with country roots, jazz influencers, disco and groove style – something for everyone.

The fair, which opens at 4 p.m., will kick off with country singer Lauren Alaina with Sundance Head on the Grandstand Stage.

Other notable musical acts scheduled this year include Patti LaBelle on June 7, Toby Keith on June 10, Darius Rucker on June 16, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons on June 22, and Leann Rimes on June 29.

As usual, the fair will also feature a variety of rides, animals, contests, festivals and food.

The San Diego County Fair is the largest annual event in San Diego County and one of the top 10 fairs in the United States and Canada, drawing more than 1.6 million visitors annually.

The 2017 San Diego County Fair runs through Tuesday, July 4 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Admission is $18 for those 13 through 61, $11 for seniors 62 and older, and $11 for children up to age 12.

Season passes cost $26. Opening day is free for members of the military who pick up tickets at their bases.

Other deals and fair information are available online at sdfair.com.

Photo courtesy of the San Diego County Fair