SAN MATEO – The 2022 San Mateo County Fair was a success based on any metric, including the number of corndogs eaten! With well over 100,000 fairgoers this year, the Fair was almost back to pre-pandemic numbers and proved once again that this yearly event is more than just carnival rides and fair foods – as fun and delicious as all of those things always are.

The Fair managed to capture the essence of California with special events and exhibits such as PRIDE, Pacific Islands Day, Día de la Feria, Farmworker Heroes Appreciation, and the Black History Museum. It was an event for all to feel welcome and represented.

The year’s fair included multiple education and interactive exhibits for the entire family. Expedition: Dinosaur (animatronic dinosaurs), SkyRiver Butterflies (fairgoers were able to interact with real butterflies), All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, Fair Farm (with baby barnyard), Robotic For more information: Sean Gallitz [email protected] (414) 315-0436 For Immediate Release: June 30th, 2022 Zone, Department of INNOVATION (which had many activities and workshops for adults and kids to be creative and have fun), the SMC Libraries Bookmobile, Black History Museum and the newly created Farmworker Exhibit honoring the legacy of Cesar Chavez and local farmworkers made this year’s Fair as memorable as any other.

The Community Stage showcased local performers daily from our vibrant and creative community. Also participating were many roving acts around the fairgrounds such as our adorable and loving Fritters (big fluffy mascot…hard to miss!), Zoey the Butterfly, the Street Drum Corps, magician Louis Foxx, and the amazing balloon artist Dennis Forel. Other special events and performances included stand-up comedy with Jesús U Bettawork (a San Mateo native) and saw the incredibly gifted San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band march through the fairgrounds during our PRIDE celebration.

Amazing and legendary musical acts, including the Commodores and Gloria Gaynor, played for thousands on our free outdoor mainstage every night and really put the exclamation point on each day.

“I am so proud of our staff and all their hard work that goes into creating a successful Fair. Their passion for our community showed and attendees benefited from the many attractions and educational exhibits,” said Dana Stoehr, CEO of the San Mateo County Event Center & Fair. “This year surpassed all previous years, delivering so much quality content for our Fairgoers.”

“We were inspired by the support of our community when we reopened to a modified fair in 2021 but it felt much more different this year,” added Justin Aquino, the San Mateo County Fair Manager. “There is no place like a County Fair where guests can use all their five senses to experience the richness of diversity in San Mateo County. Our county fair is a safe place where all are welcome, and it is our entire staff having these values that make it possible.”

Overall, the 2022 San Mateo County Fair was a great success, and we can’t wait to see what 2023 brings! Stay tuned!