“Once Upon a Fair” theme honors creative Little Free Libraries by delighting community artists at Revision.

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego County Fair is kicking off its 2026 theme, “Once Upon a Fair,” with a grassroots campaign that honors community creativity and celebrates reading across the county. The Fair’s marketing team surprised 14 Little Free Library creators with official “Best of Show” ribbons, fair swag, and free tickets as part of the initiative.

“Our theme this year is ‘Once Upon a Fair’— so it’s all about stories and literacy and books and authors,” said Jennifer Hellman, the Fair’s marketing director.

The campaign took Hellman and her staff across San Diego County, from Ramona to San Ysidro, to recognize the most visually delightful and creatively designed Little Free Libraries. Among the honorees was Revision, a non-profit organization in Hillcrest that creates art and fosters inclusivity for neurodivergent artists.

“It means to include others even those who have disabilities,” said Revision artist Jack Medved. 

When Hellman arrived at Revision as her first stop, she was captivated by a painting of fair food created by artist Katie Flores.

“I fell in love with it. So then I bought it. I bought it for my office,” said Hellman.

The timing proved serendipitous. Flores’ artwork had been featured in the Fair’s fine art exhibit the previous year. “Her artwork was actually shown in our fine art exhibit last year, and so I thought, ‘Wow, this is just meant to be,'” Hellman said.

Revision’s Little Library, which was painted collaboratively by neurodivergent artists at the organization, earned a Best of Show ribbon. The founder of Revision, Joy Boe, was surprised by the recognition.

“We were really surprised,” said Boe.

The Little Library serves as an important community connection. “It’s been a really nice way to give and receive,” said Boe.

Katie Flores plans to make full use of her free fair tickets when the 2026 fair opens. She has spent considerable time painting fair food and now wants to experience it firsthand.

“Nachos, hot dog, cotton candy, popcorn, pickles,” she said, listing some of the foods she’s painted.

When asked if one set of tickets would be enough, Boe responded: “Amazing, I think we are going to need more tickets.”

The Fair has already agreed to provide additional tickets. “I am truly delighted,” said Jack.

The other Little Free Libraries selected for recognition span the county and feature creative designs, from a VW bus-shaped library in Carlsbad to an owl-shaped structure near Tecolote Canyon in Clairemont and a miniature Basilica replica in City Heights.

RELATED: San Diegans share all time favorite ‘Fair Memories’

As part of the campaign’s second phase, the Fair also distributed three specially selected books—Charlotte’s Web, The Big Red Barn, and A Fabulous Fair Alphabet—into Little Free Libraries across the county. Each book contains a hidden certificate offering four free Fair tickets to readers who post photos on Instagram.

For more information about Revision and the San Diego County Fair, visit their websites by clicking the links.