Santa Clara County Fairgrounds (San Jose, CA)

The Fairgrounds encompasses 158 acres with seven major buildings, an Arena with 35,000 sq. feet of space, five event stages, and a satellite wagering facility. Fairs have been held in the Santa Clara Valley since 1856. The Fairgrounds location became permanent in 1939 when the 95 acre Macomber Ranch was purchased for $35,000. The first SC Co. Fair was held in 1941 with an attendance of 55,000 The Fair was postponed in 1942 until 1945 due to World War II. The Grandstand Arena was built in 1949. The State Capitol Replica Buildings were constructed in 1950. In 1953, Exposition Hall was built. In the Main Arch and Gate Buildings were constructed in 1956. The Pavilion was built in 1960. In 1965, Gateway Hall was built. Between 1944 and 1950 San Jose Technical High School students constructed the Sheep & Swine Building, tables and display and cases, and did painting and carpentry work all over the grounds. SPONSOR: Santa Clara County Fair Management Corporation Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors FAIRGROUNDS ON-SITE SERVICES: Sheriff's Substation/Lost Kids/First Aid: The Sheriff's substation is located adjacent to the carnival midway entrance and is capable of handling all emergencies. The First Aid Station, staffed by the American Red Cross, is adjacent to the Satellite Wagering facility and is a complete facility for all medical emergencies. ATM: Cash teller machine is located on the Main Esplanade near the main entrance and in our Satellite Wagering facility. Baby Changing Areas: There are five such facilities located throughout the grounds in designated restrooms. Information Booths: There is one info booth located at the Main entrance. Lost and Found: At the main information booth, Main Entrance. Lost Kids: For children who have temporarily misplaced their parents please check at our main information booth, located at the main entrance. Fair Program: The official Fair Program is being produced by the San Jose Mercury-News and is available at the information booth, and the South Entrance gate. The Mercury News will be distributing the Fair program to its readership on the Thursday prior to the opening of Fair. Handicapped Parking: Located in Lot C1 on Old Tully between 7th St. and Monterey Hwy., and in Lot F off of Umbarger Rd. near the south entrance. Public Telephones: Pay phones are located throughout the fairgrounds. Multi-phone units can be found on McKinnon Esplanade near the Main Arch and at the north entrance to the carnival on Amusement Blvd. All public phones are operated by phone cards and do not accept cash.