Los Angeles County Fair Pomona 1938

Blue text on a yellow background. A blue and red ribbon with a brass fob is attached to the bottom of the button.

The Los Angeles County Fair is among the largest fairs in the United States. Main attractions include amusement rides, agricultural exhibits, and horse racing. It was first held in 1922 and featured chariot racing competitions and an airplane stunt exhibition. Despite the Great Depression casting a shadow over the 1930s, the Fair underwent expansion. In 1937, under the directive of the Works Progress Administration, new buildings were constructed such as a fine arts building and a cafeteria. 

In 1942 the Fair would close for the next six years due to WWII. However, the fairgrounds would play a vital role in the war effort. Over 5,000 Japanese-Americans were temporarily held there before being relocated to internment camps. The grounds also housed German and Italian prisoners-of-war. In 1948 the Fair was reopened with new construction initiatives such as an agricultural pavilion. Since its reopening, the Fair has attracted over one million visitors almost every year.