Planning for the 2017 San Diego County Fair is underway after this year’s fair closed with a bang on Independance Day setting a new attendance record.

Fair officials say a total of 1,609,481 guests came through the gates between June 3 and July 4, the most since the fair began in 1880.

“It was one of our most successful fairs partly because of the theme; we have a brand new theme every year, we try to appeal to a very wide demographic, and that is what makes our fair very unique,” said fair spokesperson Linda Zweig. “You get a a lot for your dollar at the fair. There are so many ways to save money in discounts alone. This year’s Best Pass Ever  – the fair’s season pass – was 26 dollars for all 26 days of the fair.”

The Del Mar Fairgrounds is a healthy contributor to the region’s economy. It adds about $475 million to the local economy annually, according to a fair official.

“The fair itself employs over 2,000 people while the Del Mar Fairgrounds annually employs over 5,000 people,” said Zweig. “During fair time we bring people from all over San Diego County, and neighboring counties including Orange and Imperial counties and beyond. Most people contribute to the local economy by staying at neighboring hotels and visiting local restaurants.”

Parking remains a big challenge for fair organizers and this year was no exception, the fair lost 1800 parking spaces. However, partnerships with the Coaster and the promotion of outside parking helped alleviate some of the traffic issues.

It also was the longest fair ever, 26 days, kicking off summer with the wacky and Whimsical “Mad About The Fair” theme. The fair celebrated Lewis Carroll story “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” with a Steampunk twist attracting people of all ages who embraced the theme by dressing up in costume for the various events at the fair. Similarly, fair traditions such as rides, unusual food, competitive exhibits and agricultural displays brought guests in search of fond memories and first-time county fair experiences.