History: 1950 to 1959

1950

The carnival was moved to its present location to make room for the new sports plaza. A 40-foot-high arch stretching 100 feet from side to side and colorfully lit with neon letters formed the entrance to the fun zone. A casting pool 125 feet in diameter was added in the sports plaza. A new main entrance measuring 233 feet across was established near the main parking lot.

1951

The world’s largest man-made ski jump using artificial snow was featured at the Fair. The take-off area rose 225 feet high and sloped downward for 500 feet.

1952

The ornate flower and garden building was constructed...The carnival was included as a permanent part of the operation, rather than on a yearly contract basis...The landmark Clock Tower was built…The Fair’s Mexican Village was constructed and is now known as Fiesta Village.

1953

On April 11-12, the National Hot Rod Association held its first sanctioned event, the Southern California Championship Drag Races, at Pomona Raceway, located at a far corner of the grounds. Over the weekend, 375 cars ran 850 timed runs.

1954

A fire station and first aid building was constructed, along with a new 100’ x 200’ building (Fairplex 8A) for the home builders’ new products show...A giant "ranchero" carving was completed by artist John Svenson, leading to the eventual development of the Fair's Court of the Redwoods. The redwood forest was completed in 1961.

1955

A Fair exhibitor, Fred Morrison, sold flying disks at the 1955 Fair. Two college friends, Richard Knerr and Arthur Melin, were impressed by the item and negotiated the rights to manufacturing it for their small mail-order company, Wham-O. The Pluto Platter was introduced in 1957 and was renamed the Frisbee.

1957

Millard Sheets, world-renowned artist and director of the Fair’s fine arts exhibit for 25 years, resigns. For the first time at any fair, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus appeared at the 1957 Los Angeles County Fair.

1959

A tunnel connecting the grounds with the 10,000-car parking lot opposite White Avenue was completed under White Avenue The tunnel measures 400 feet in length.