Record Year For Riverside County Fair And National Date Festival

INDIO – From the rides, games, food and entertainment the 2010 Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival was a huge success.

“So far we are on record pace,” says Dan Martinez, Director of Riverside County Economic Development.

As organizers tallying up the numbers, it appears this year’s festival attracted more people than ever before.

“The previous record is 300,000 people, it looks like we may break it,” says Martinez.

More discounts were offered at ticket booths, like free admission for kids and half off. But the picture perfect weather was an even bigger attraction.

“It’s rare we have ten days of beautiful weather,” says Mendes. “People really come out when the sun comes out.”

Besides the warm temps and hot deals, there’s something else everyone just had to check out. This year, five of Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch rides landed in Indio, last year there was just one. The additions made for a lot of excitement.

“People would come through the gates and ask where the Michael Jackson rides were,” says Martinez.

From the king of pop to monster trucks and food, the event gets bigger every year. Organizers expect to bring in about $3 million. Most goes toward expenses, the rest is spent improving the fair grounds and getting ready next year.

“It’s just fun,” says Martinez. “Every year we think we have better.”