The 2002 San Diego fair to pay tribute to the king

    This summer, be sure to grab a “”Hunk-a-Hunk-a Summer Fun”” as the San Diego County Fair kicks off June 15 with its 2002 theme: Elvis: A Tribute to the King of Rock & Roll.

    Tyler Huff
    Guardian

    Formerly the Del Mar Fair, the fair will run through July 7. It will be open weekdays from 11a.m. to 10p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 11p.m.

    This year’s fair promises to showcase many old favorites ,including the 122nd annual exhibition of art, an open livestock competition a flower and garden competition and plenty of local craft venders. As evidenced by this year’s name change, the fair will also feature a few departures, such as the “”Flying Elvi.””

    First featured in the Nicolas Cage comedy “”Honeymoon in Vegas,”” these parachuting Elvis impersonators will give an airborne performance, featuring fireworks and precision maneuvers. Upon reaching earth, will give an over-the-top stage show, free with admission at the closing day of the fair.

    The fair will also feature a diverse array of musical performances including Pink, The Calling and Lifehouse, as well as Barry Manilow, Three Dog Night, Little Richard and The Temptations.

    There will also be the Steel Pulse Reggae Festival and a comedy show put on by Wayne Brady of “”Who’s Line is it Anyway”” fame.

    The fair will, appropriately enough, open with “”Elvis, The Concert,”” featuring Elvis, semi-live on a giant video screen, performing his greatest concert hits with music played live by his original band and singers.

    Also on hand will be a huge selection of original Elvis memorabilia, enough to make any fan orcollector salivate.

    The 2002 San Diego County fair will be the first fair to be allowed by Elvis Presley Enterprises to exhibit Presley’s motorcycles, velvet furniture, golf carts, concert costumes, the suit Elvis wore when he met President Nixon and his prize collection of law enforcement badges.

    Interestingly enough, this event isn’t just a beloved community event. It’s also a historic tradition.

    San Diego was only inhabited by a few thousand people, but the first annual San Diego County Horticultural and Agricultural Display was arranged by the National Ranch Grange Society and held under a canvas awning in what is now National City’s Kimball Park.

    Summer wouldn’t be summer without a county fair, so soak up some sun and prepare to get “”all shook up”” in North County’s fairgrounds and race track.

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