Alameda County Fair draws 400,000 visitors, generates $312 million for local economy

This year's Alameda County Fair tallied almost 400,000 attendees and produced millions in sales tax revenue for Pleasanton, the Tri-Valley area and Alameda County, organizers said.

The fair, which ran from June 19 to July 12, generated a $312 million local impact, supporting nearly 2,000 jobs and producing $14.3 million dollars in sales tax, according to a news release from organizers.

Numerous donations were also made toward organizations at this year's fair. At the annual American Red Cross blood drive, nearly 12,000 pints of blood were donated. The Alameda County Food Bank collected more than 59,000 donated meals, and Valley Humane Society was able to collect about 1,900 pounds in pet food donations.

At the Junior Livestock Auction, $1.3 million was raised to support youth agricultural education programs.

This year's foodie's choice winner was "The Main Squeeze," an irresistible lemonade cookie by The Dough Show booth.

"Fair food once again took center stage this year," said Jerome Hoban, chief executive officer of the fairgrounds.

According to the fair, 28,726 corndogs were consumed by hungry attendees, and 20,400 funnel cakes were eaten as well.

In honoring the U.S. 250th anniversary, a time capsule was buried at the fair. It was filled with photos, letters and flags that represented 2026 and this current era of the country. The time capsule will be reopened in 2076 for America's 300th birthday.

An exhibit at the fair in remembrance of 9/11 was popular this year. Festival goers wrote almost 1,000 "notes of hope" at the "Rising Together: In Remembrance of 9/11" exhibit. People also left white roses at the survivor tree, an extension of the exhibit.

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