Riverside County Fair Shy Of Breaking All-Time Attendance Record

It was a good year for the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival.

But, not good enough.

“We actually had everything go without a hitch. We were very happy,” said spokesperson Veronica Casper. “What really hindered us was the weather this year.”

During the week of February 18-27, 307,700 spectators attended the ten-day event,

The same period last year saw 310,394 spectators attended.

Despite the attendance dip, some vendors still celebrated. Dane Baldwin of Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls said this was his most successful year.

“The coolness [of the weather] really helps our sales,” he said.

But, some businesses located directly across the street from the fair were a little disappointed. Oscar Mendoza, owner of La Casita Restaurant, said the restaurant made more money during last year’s fair. He, too, blamed the slow sales on the weather.

“Last Sunday, we got there around 1 p.m.,” he said. “It was very, very cold by 5 p.m.”