DEL MAR — San Diego County Fair dates for next year were approved during the Aug. 12 board of directors meeting of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which sponsors the fair.

General Manager Tim Fennell recommended the fair run June 12 through July 5, one day longer than this year when it was shortened by a day to accommodate the highly successful U. S. Open at Torrey Pines.

Fennell said the theme will be announced at the Sept. 9 directors meeting.

Even though the softer economy was evident, Fennell said the fair was a success.

Total attendance was 1,235,698, the second highest in the fair’s history.

Cathy Mordente, special events manager, reported 19,000 entertainers presented 12 hours of daily entertainment.

On the competitive side, Exhibits Manager Katie Phillips said there were 53,l54 exhibitors competing in the various divisions. A total of 116 schools took part, including l,300 students from Tijuana.

The annual junior livestock auction also fared well. A total of 411 animals grossed $624,411. The sale enables the young competitors to recoup their investment in their projects.

Concessions Manager Donna Ruhm said the carnival brought in a record $6.5 million in revenue. Food and beverage sales exceeded $10 million.

This was partially due to the fact vendors now are doing a better job of marketing their products by improving the appearance of their stands and doing a better job of serving their patrons, Ruhm said.

Dawn Ayles, gate keeping supervisor, was recognized as the fair’s hero. She is a counselor at Del Dios Middle School in Escondido and has worked at the fair in her current position since 2001. Before this year’s fair, she donated a kidney to her cousin, but came back on the job. “In spite of this great contribution, she was able to return to perform her duties,” Fennell said when he presented her with a “hero’s” trophy.

Most California fairs are subsidized by horse racing revenue, Fennell said. Because of a turn down in betting, he predicted the fairs and expositions fund will have a shortfall of up to $6 million. Fairs that operate horse racing will be assessed proportionately. This will include Del Mar, even though it is self-supporting.

There was negative news about the fair. Six speakers

told directors they personally observed rampant drug use during many of the grand stand concerts and asked that this issue be placed on a future agenda for resolution.

Lisa Silverman, who is associated with the North Island County Prevention Program, was one of the speakers who said she was very concerned about the widespread use of drugs. Another speaker said she was tapped on the shoulder by an unknown person who offered her a choice of a pot pipe or marijuana cigarette.

Fair board President Kelly Burt said the problem will be addressed in the near future by a committee and invited the speakers to be a part of a committee.