History: 1990 to 1999

1990

The Barretts Equine Sales Complex opened with its first thoroughbred sale. The sales pavilion was named Hinds Pavilion, honoring Fair Association President and CEO Ralph Hinds. Ten new 40-seat monorail cars and a boarding station were added as the monorail system was renovated. The Fair was expanded from 18 to 24 days, and horse racing was extended from 18 to 19 days.

1991

The Fairplex Child Development Center merged with the University of La Verne child care program and the facility underwent more than $1 million in renovations following a grant from the County of Los Angeles. An additional 8,000 square feet of space and increased staff and enrollment resulted. Ground was broken in April for the on-grounds Sheraton Fairplex Fairplex Hotel. Fair attendance hit an all-time single-season record of 1,612,097 visitors.

1992

The 247-suite Sheraton Fairplex Fairplex Hotel opened in June.

1993

The National Hot Rod Association completed $4.5 million in improvements to the dragstrip. A landmark sky ride was installed.

1994

The fine arts building was dedicated as the "Millard Sheets Gallery." The food fair was converted into the Super Diner. Ralph Hinds died on July 30.

1995

Shortly after the 1995 Fair and 15 months after Hinds' death, the Fair Association appointed James E. Henwood president and chief executive officer.

1996

A 90-foot-high Fairplex electronic sign was erected along the San Bernardino Freeway. Nightly grandstand entertainment returned to the Fair for the first time since 1983. The landmark monorail ride and station were torn down and removed. Mexican Village was renovated and renamed Fiesta Village.

1997

The Fair celebrated its 75th anniversary with a 75-cent opening day admission price, attracting more than 90,000 people. Special days recognizing local communities and their heroes were introduced during the Fair. “UFO Encounters,” an attraction focusing on the public’s interest in aliens and UFOs, made its world premiere.

1998

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum opened in what was formerly used as the home arts building. The Fairplex Recreational Vehicle Park changed operation to a KOA campground affiliate.

1999

Fairguests were treated to a “WOW” exhibit housed in Fairplex 7A. “DinoQuest: Search for the Lost Expedition” filled all 43,000-square-feet of Fairplex 7A. Jockey J.C. Gonzalez was killed during an accident at Fairplex Park on opening day of the Fair. Fairplex established three 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations: The Fairplex Child Development Center, The Millard Sheets Center for the Arts and the Fairplex Education Foundation. The goal is to raise funds through grants and charitable donations to further enhance the existing educational opportunities and expand the programs to a year-round basis.