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Arts & Culture

San Diego County Fair Opens 26-Day Run

A crowd forms to feast on fried foods at the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in this undated photo.
Angelina Canilao, KPBS News
A crowd forms to feast on fried foods at the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in this undated photo.

The San Diego County Fair will give a big ol' "Howdy, Pardner!" Friday as it opens a 26-day run at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The fair's "Where the West is Fun" theme exhibit will feature a collection of Native American advertising that's headed for the Smithsonian Institution, according to organizers. Opening day guests will be greeted by a trick roper.

RELATED: The Five Craziest San Diego County Fair Foods

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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.

The fair will open at 4 p.m. First-night entertainment will feature Lauren Alaina and Sundance Head on the Grandstand stage.

There are several other notable musical acts:

–Patti LaBelle, Wednesday.

–Toby Keith, June 10.

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–Darius Rucker, June 16.

–Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, June 22.

–Leann Rimes, June 29.

The fair will also include its usual assortment of rides, animals, contests and high-calorie food.

Admission is $18 for those 13 through 61, $11 for seniors 62 and older, and $11 for children up to age 12. Season passes, good for any day of the fair, are $26 apiece. Opening day is free for members of the military who pick up their tickets at their bases.

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