“How often does a chickens lay an egg?”
“Once a day. Look, that one in the corner is settling down to lay one right now!”

“Do pigs love marshmallows?”
“Just as much as you do. Watch this big one eat one out of my hand.”

“Do sheep need all that wool?”
“Yes. It keeps them cool in summer and warm in winter.”

“Will my little seed really grow into a radish?”
“Yes! Here’s a spritz of water to get it started!”

Thousands of elementary school students bounded off buses to enjoy Plant*Grow*Eat (PGE) at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ Infield Farm during the week of May 18-22, 2026. They went eye to eye with farm animals, took a microscopic dive into worms and bugs, guessed the species of wild animal pelts (“I bet that’s a raccoon!” surmised one smart kid), and explored fruits and veggies ripening throughout the colorful farm display (“Kumquats! My favorite!” reported one child with a sophisticated palate).

Waiting to greet ten busloads of Valley Center Primary School kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students on May 20th were Don Diego Scholarship Foundation bus sponsors, whose generous contributions enabled these and other students from Title 1 schools throughout San Diego County to experience this growing adventure. Transportation costs of $500 and more per bus would otherwise put the program out of reach. This year, Don Diego sponsored 32 buses.

“We love donating to PGE and we love being on-site to teach the children,” confirmed
SDC Master Gardeners Association Maxine Miller and Lynn O’Shaughnessy. “They’re so curious and cute and eager to learn.”

The Del Mar Foundation (DMF) annually shows up for PGE; typically donating $10,000 plus their time at the event. “We are happy to be part of this incredible program,” said DMF President Tom Neuman, who along with VP Sudeepto Roy and members Steven Schuknect and Julie Maxey-Allison, enthusiastically interacted with the children. “PGE makes a huge, beneficial impact on their lives.” Sudeepto Roy agreed, noting, “Everyone at DMF supports it. It’s so important to help children make the connection between the plants they see growing and the food they eat.”

As the whirlwind morning ended, happy scamperers departed with a free ticket to the upcoming June 10-July 5, 2026 San Diego County Fair, with soon-to-be ravishing radishes, an in-depth understanding of agriculture, and a lifetime of memories.

The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation was named for Don Diego, AKA Tom Hernandez, who served as San Diego County Fair’s welcoming goodwill ambassador from 1947-1984. Since its inception in 1986, the Foundation has awarded $1,510,344 in scholarships to 434 students and in Plant*Grow*Eat agriculture education grants, which enable elementary students from San Diego area Title 1 schools to learn about agriculture and nutrition while enjoying a day at the Fairgrounds.