Hundreds of lost items still unclaimed at San Diego County Fair
San Diego County Fair in Del Mar (Photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego) So far this year, nearly 700 items have been turned in to Lost & Found at the San Diego County Fair. It happens every summer. Amid the crowds, food, music, and rides at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, people lose track of their belongings — phones, wallets, sunglasses, hats, shoes, keys. Sometimes it’s a kid’s shoe kicked off unnoticed. Other times, it’s a phone left behind on a bench or a credit card dropped in the dirt. Whatever it is, it usually ends up at Guest Services. The Fair, which wraps up for the year on Sunday, July 6, is still working to return dozens of lost items to their owners. Many have already been claimed, but a surprising amount are still sitting in the office. “The Fair provides our guests with unforgettable memories,” said Tristan Hallman, the Fair’s Chief Communications Officer. “Unfortunately, sometimes the memories are so amazing that they simply forget to leave with their material possessions.”He added simply: “Please, if you left some stuff here, come and get it.” How to Find What You Lost If you think you left something behind, call the Guest Services office at 858-794-1124 and leave a detailed message. Include: Whether you already reported the item and, if so, the report number and date. A clear description of the lost item. The day you visited the Fair. Your name (spell it out if needed) and phone number, spoken slowly and clearly. For phones, include the brand (iPhone, Samsung, etc.), your provider (Verizon, AT&T, etc.), and any identifying features like a case or sticker. For keys, note how many, whether there’s a fob, and what type they are — car, home, or office — plus anything distinctive on the keychain. Picking Up Lost Items During the Fair (through July 6):If staff confirms they might have your item: Drive to the Ride Share lot (look for purple banners, past the main entrance). Tell staff you’re there for Lost & Found. Walk to the Will Call window. You’ll need to buy a $25 ticket deposit, which you’ll get back afterward. Go to Guest Services (1st floor, east end of the Grandstand building). Claim your item, return it to Will Call for your refund, and head out.Note: If you take more than one hour, your car could be towed. After the Fair (starting July 9):From July 9–14, someone will be on-site daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help reunite people with their items. Call 858-794-1124 to schedule a pickup. Unclaimed items will be donated in September. Lost & Found 2025: By the Numbers 1 Bicycle Pump 1 Pair of heavy black boots 1 Pair of flip-flops 1 Hearing aid 1 Heavy winter jacket 2 Pairs of kid’s shoes 2 EpiPens 7 Individual kid’s shoes 8 Caricatures 10 Cameras 21 Miscellaneous electronics 22 Water bottles 26 Hats 28 Random clothing items 30 Pieces of jewelry 43 IDs 62 Sets of keys 64 Pairs of eyeglasses 69 Wallets and purses (51 already returned) 89 Credit cards 120 Cell phones (108 already picked up)
