22nd District Agricultural Association : Fairgrounds CEO inducted into WFA Hall of Fame

DEL MAR, CA (January 6, 2016) - The 22nd District Agricultural Association General Manager and CEO, Timothy J. Fennell was inducted into the Western Fairs Association (WFA) Hall of Fame during the awards celebration at the WFA Convention and Trade Show held January 3-6 in Anaheim, California. The prestigious award is presented annually to individuals whose dedicated efforts have enriched the tradition of fairs and encouraged the professionalism of the industry. WFA is a non-profit trade association serving the Fair industry in the Western United States and Canada

'I am humbled and honored to have received this very special award and to join the ranks of the esteemed list of WFA Hall of Fame inductees. Being a part of the Fair industry is not a job, it's a way of life for all who are involved. Like a family, we help and support each other, all the while staying true to ourselves and for me, staying true to the Mission Statement of the 22nd District Agricultural Association,' stated Mr. Fennell. 'Historically the San Diego County Fair has been a leader in the fair industry and an integral part of San Diego County by supporting local commerce and employing up to 1,900 during the San Diego County Fair season. Agriculture and educational activities such as 4-H, FFA, Grange and other youth development programs are always at the forefront as we are constantly working to keep agriculture thriving for future generations. I am proud to be a part of a creative team dedicated to producing world class events at this historical landmark known as the Del Mar Fairgrounds and to be a part of the Western Fairs Association and the San Diego County Fair.'

Founded in 1922 and incorporated in 1945, WFA is a nonprofit trade association serving the fair industry throughout the western United States and Canada. The association's primary purpose is to assist in maintaining the highest professional standards within the fair industry through a voluntary network of individuals and organizations. The primary objective of the association is to promote the prosperity of fairs through educational activities, training programs and legislative advocacy.

The San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons/Vons was once again a top award winner at the WFA Convention and Trade Show. The 2015 Fair received a total of 32 awards including categories in Marketing and Agriculture/Educational Programs, the Fair Theme and NEW Programs including: Community Outreach, Conservation, Children's and Agricultural Education.

The 2015 WFA awards were presented to the San Diego County Fair in the following categories:
• Radio Advertising - Single Radio Ad
• Printed Newsletter
• Newspaper Ad - Black and White
• Fair Logo Contest
• Give It Your Best Shot
• Fairtime Advertising Poster
• Fairtime Innovative Marketing Strategy or Concept
• New Children's Program
• Sponsorship
• New Agricultural Program
• Theme Program
• Volunteers
• Interim Events
• Anything Goes
• Television Advertising Television Ad Series
• Any Other Video used to promote Your Fair
• Radio Advertising - Ad Series
• Electronic Newsletter/E-Blast
• Interim Event Rentals Innovative Marketing, Strategy or Concept
• Fair Program/Schedule
• New Featured Event, Exhibit or Program
• New Conservation Program or 'Being Green'
• New Community Outreach Program
• Event with-in an Event
• Non-Profits/outside collaboration
• Non-Profits/Fairs own collaboration
• Crisis management
• Inspiring Collaborations
• Guest Services
• Special Event/Themed Day/Program Partnership
• Any Other Fair/Facility website
• Outdoor Advertising

The 2015 San Diego County Fair also received 23 awards from The International Association of Fairs and Expositions for outstanding Agricultural and Competitive programs at the IAFE Convention and Trade Show held November 29 - December 2, in Las Vegas, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 2015, the Fair drew more than 1.5 million visitors making it another record breaking year for the 6th consecutive year.