San Diego County Fair

Heavy traffic on I-5 as crowds flock to San Diego County Fair on Juneteenth

Northbound traffic on Interstate 5 was heavily backed up near the San Diego County Fair on June 19, 2024 as fairgoers flocked to the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Juneteenth. (NBC 7 San Diego)
NBC 7 San Diego

Northbound traffic on Interstate 5 was heavily backed up near the San Diego County Fair on Wednesday evening around 5:30 p.m. as fairgoers flocked to the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Juneteenth.

The Fair declared a sell-out on admission as unusually large crowds packed the Fairgrounds on Wednesday, according to fair officials.

Traffic was slowed even into the single digits from Vista Sorrento Parkway exit to the Via De La Valle exit, according to SigAlert. By 8 p.m., traffic had cleared, SigAlert showed.

Compounding the traffic, a hit-and-run crash on I-5 north was partially blocking the off-ramp at Via De La Valle.

In response to the crowds, the Fair announced on Wednesday they would still allow anyone who arrives to the fairgrounds by 6:30 p.m. to enter, as well as anyone who had already purchased a ticket to the Fair that day, or a anyone who buys a Fair Tripper ticket.

If you've already purchased a ticket but aren't ready to brave the crowds, the Fair will honor your unredeemed ticket for a different day.

Heavy traffic to the San Diego County Fair helped to create a major headache for I-5 drivers on June 19, 2024. (SigAlert)

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