Santa Cruz County Fair Guide 2021

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Santa Cruz County Fair | Cool Shades & Tractor Parades

Watsonville Office: Office: Los Banos Office: PropertyProperty Managment: Watsonville Los Banos Office Managment:

831-722-7131 831-763-7777 209-826-7777 831-722-7131 831-763-7777 209-826-7777

Santa Cruz County Fair | Cool Shades & Tractor Parades

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TRACTO R PA RA DE S

DES & A H LS O O

Table of Contents PRESIDENT/MANAGER’S MESSAGE

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FAIR AT A GLANCE 6 GLANCE 6 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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FAIRGROUNDS FOUNDATION 8 FOUNDATION 8 2021 HERITAGE HOG/YESTERDAY’S FARM 10 DAILY SCHEDULES 12 SCHEDULES 12 FAIRGROUNDS MAP 14 ALASKAN PIG RACING/BRAD’S REPTILES

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LOS MORALITOS CIRCUS

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MONSTER TRUCKS & MOTOCROSS

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Table of Contents CAMEL RIDES 24 RIDES 24 ENTERTAINMENT 25 ENTERTAINMENT 25 FAIR SPONSORS 27

The Pajaronian CEO & Executive Editor

Dan Pulcrano Publisher

Jeanie Johnson Editor

Tony Nuñez Design Layout

Hon Truong

21 Brennan St, Suite 18, Watsonville, CA 95076

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Santa Cruz County Fair | Cool Shades & Tractor Parades

Ad Director

Debra Whizin Advertising Account Executives

Lisa Buckley Kate Kauffman Tiffani Petrov Jon Allred

(831) 761-7300 www.pajaronian.com

President’s message WE HAVE MISSED YOU! On behalf of the 14th District Agricultural Association Fair Board of Directors, the dedicated Fair staff, and our many wonderful volunteers, WELCOME to the 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair, Cool Shades and Tractor Parades.

Little did we know at the start of 2020 what an incredible year for the history books it would be—a pandemic, cancellation of our 2020 County Fair,

and a devastating local fire. For the past 19 months, our Fairgrounds hosted food drives, public health vaccinations, and served as a CZU Fire Evacuation Center for community members and their livestock. We may not have had our usual collection of celebrations and events, but we were still here to serve our community through these trying times.

After many months of challenges, it is time to CELEBRATE the return of our County Fair! I look forward to seeing the fairgrounds full of people who

are attending shows, competitions, grandstand activities, enjoying the Midway rides, and most importantly, catching up with old friends.

I would like to extend my most heartfelt gratitude to our fair manager, Dave Kegebein, and his staff for keeping our wonderful fairgrounds going through thick and thin this past year.

So WELCOME BACK! See you at the County Fair!

Director Fontana

Manager’s Message This fall I will be celebrating my ten year anniversary as Manager of the Santa Cruz County Fair.

When I and a large group of incredibly dedicated team of volunteers offered to restructure and reorganize one of the most important institutions in Santa Cruz County, we all knew that we would have plenty of work in front of us. But nobody ever dreamed of how tough this past year and a half would be.

Over the past ten years many people have worked tirelessly to strengthen the Fairgrounds infrastructure and facilities to improve daily operations and prepare

for potential disasters. During 2020 we were afforded maximum opportunities to serve our community with disaster relief efforts. Working with awesome County of Santa Cruz staff members this Fairgrounds served the community in multiple award-winning ways that everyone should be exceptionally proud of.

With years of dedicated service experience our Fairgrounds Foundation and Ag History Project organizations continue to improve facilities and services to make this the best small community Fairgrounds in the west.

Last year, for the first time since the early 1940’s (during World War II), our annual Fair was cancelled like so many other events. Needless to say we are extremely excited as we prepare for our 2021 Fair comeback year. We plan to have almost all of our traditional activities including entries, exhibits, motorsports, animals of many kinds and types, entertainment, fair food & beverages, carnival, circus, shows, etc.

Please come out and enjoy the return of your annual COUNTY FAIR. Thanks Dave

— — PAVING SPECIALIST — — Proudly supporting the Santa Cruz County Fair!

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At this year’s Fair pick up a Cool Cow Passport from the Fairgrounds Foundation Information Booth. As you walk through the Fair look for the Cool Cow Passport Posters, get your passport stamped, and head back to the Information Booth where you’ll be able to claim a Prize.

Using the Cool Cow Passport as a guide is a great way to see all of the exhibits and areas of the Fair with displays showing the counties best.

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• 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair • September 15-19, 2021 • Wednesday through Friday - Noon to 11 PM, Saturday - 10 AM to 11 PM, Sunday - 10 AM to 10 PM • 2601 East Lake Avenue Watsonville, CA 95076 • Information at SantaCruzCountyFair.com or 831-724-5671

COOL COW PASSPORT

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2021

FAIR AT A GLANCE

PASSPORT PROGRAM 2021

ADMISSION

DAILY Adults 13 to 61...$15.00 Children 6 to 12...$8.00 (Free on Kid’s Day, 9/15 only) Children 5 and under...Free Seniors 62 and better...$12.00 ($10.00 at the gate on Wednesday, 9/15 only) Active Duty Military...Free with ID all days All Veterans...Free on opening day, Wednesday, 9/15

PARKING $10.00 (Main Lot) $25.00 (Valet)

ADMISSION Wednesday 9/15 Monster Trucks and Motocross $10 adults 13+ / $5 child 6-12 (7:30 PM - Race Track) Gary Blackburn Band (7:30 PM – Amphitheater Stage)

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Thursday 9/16

One Country (7:30 PM – Amphitheater Stage) Monster Trucks and Motocross $10 adults 13+ / $5 child 6-12 (7:30 PM - Race Track)

Friday 9/17

Aju Vu & Stealin’ Chicago (7:30 PM – Amphitheater Stage)

Saturday 9/18

The White Album Ensemble (7:30 PM – Amphitheater Stage)

Sunday 9/19

Salinas Valley Charros & Los Reyes De La Banda (4:00 PM – Main Horse Arena) Banda Maguey (7:00 PM – Amphitheater Stage)

Santa Cruz County Fair | Cool Shades & Tractor Parades

SANTA CRUZ

COUNTY FAIR

Board of Directors Stephanie Fontana

Jody Belgard

Tony Campos

Bill Barton

Loretta Estrada

Michael Prugar

President

Don Dietrich Director

Director

Director

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Vice President

Director

Director

Lupe Flores Director

Funding Your Fairgrounds Future

Funding your fairgrounds future

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sk yourself, or your neighbor, what memories the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds bring to mind and you will get all the real reasons why it is so important to our community. Some of the comments you might hear are: “Most of the special moments in my life have taken place at the Fairgrounds – my first date was there, I had some of my birthday parties there, my wedding and reception were there, and recently my dad’s celebration of life.”

“I was so glad the Fairgrounds were ready for me when we had to evacuate our home during the fire.”

“Every year the Fair is like a big reunion where I see friends I haven’t seen since last year’s fair.”

Whatever your memories, they are worth keeping and so is the place where those memories were made. Your donation to the Fairgrounds Foundation will preserve our Fairgrounds for many more memories just like yours.

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Santa Cruz County Fair | Cool Shades & Tractor Parades

Every year the Foundation funds various projects on your Fairgrounds. And during the time the Fairgrounds Foundation will continue to support the Fairgrounds future by providing necessary equipment and project support. As always, your tax-deductible donation of any amount makes a tremendous difference in the ability to complete projects. The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Foundation Partners have increasingly supported the Foundation since its beginning, and because of you, we have provided more than $3.5 million in building maintenance and renovations - new water tanks and system, storage facilities, restrooms, buildings and grandstand, outside lighting, paved roads, concrete work, and new a fire protection system, benches, picnic tables and hand washing facilities. Foundation partners also provided the much support during the 2020 experiences.

The foundation also partnered with The Agricultural History Project to create and present HOLIDAY LIGHTS during this past year. This event will return again this year even bigger and brighter beginning on November 19th!

Thank You for your continued support! fairgrounds-foundation.org

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Anisa Valasco Receives 2021

Heritage Hog Scholarship

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rom that little girl who used to peek through the fence out in the Livestock Barns to recipient of the 2021 Heritage Hog Scholarship, it has been a journey of discovery for Anisa Valasco.

The very recent graduate of Watsonville High School is on her way to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to major in Animal Science and Pre Vet Medicine.

“Growing up I was not aware that there was such a thing as FFA or 4-H or even Independent Showing. I got my first animal in my sophomore year and I was hooked” remembered Valasco, who then had to figure out how to pay for it all. “I sold my old clothing, started a jewelry making business, did countless car washes, did yard work, and babysat to pay for my animals and their feed” added Valasco.

The Heritage Hog Scholarship

Program is a fundraiser dedicated to Fairgrounds improvements while also providing a scholarship for a Junior Livestock exhibitor to further their education. Each year the Fairgrounds Foundation selects a local 4-H, FFA or independent student with experience raising livestock for the Fair who is pursuing a higher education to raise a hog provided by the Foundation. The hog will be exhibited at the Fair and sold at the end of the Junior Livestock Auction.

The proceeds from the hog sale, along with other donations will be used by the Fairgrounds Foundation to fund the scholarship and the Fairground improvements.

As a result of her efforts Valasco will be awarded $2,000 to use towards her educational expenses. The Heritage Hog Scholarship is great way to encourage

Yesterday’s Farm W

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hen you attend the Fair this year and come to Yesterdays Farm you will be observing activities that were done on a farm 100 years ago or more. From 2 PM to 4 PM each day you will see different horse demonstrations such as baling

Santa Cruz County Fair | Cool Shades & Tractor Parades

current youth involvement in the Fair Livestock activities and foster future educational endeavors for the hard working junior exhibitors.

Each year the Fairgrounds Foundation solicits donations for this program as a means to raise funds for the scholarship and Fairground improvements. Donations to the Heritage Hog Scholarship Program can be made at the Fairgrounds Foundation website fairgrounds-foundation.org or by contacting the Heritage Hog Committee at (831) 786-9698.

hay with a single horse operating the baler and cultivating corn with just a horse and a one row cultivator. Visitors will also get the chance to drive a team of horses.

These demonstrations are designed to show what the Agricultural History Project would like to do when the Living History Farm is built. Plans have already been designed and hopefully construction will start soon. When you enter Yesterdays Farm site you will be able to sit on the porch and visit with one of our talented docents and reminisce.

We will also have exhibits showcasing Tractors, Horse Drawn Carriages, Antique Engines by the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, Engines restored by Agricultural History Project Volunteers. The Spinners and Weavers will be doing demonstrations on the stage by the new Chicken exhibit.

The Agricultural History Project is a work in progress, and we are constantly looking at ways to preserve the past and learn about what is going into the production of food for our dinner table.

Stop by and visit Yesterday’s Farm at the Agriculture History Project and say hello.

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Grown with care by generations of Central Coast farmers Santa Cruz County Fair | Cool Shades & Tractor Parades

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Image Pig Races

Brad’s World Reptiles Y ou come to the 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair, find yourself in the Ball Park, and wind up spending time with amazing live reptiles, amphibians, and other exotic species. You have entered Brad’s World Reptiles. This experience is the brainchild of Brad Tylman and is driven by his passion for education and nature.

Tylman graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Zoology and has traveled the globe

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since accumulating knowledge about the natural world. He shares his knowledge and passion with his audiences in a very entertaining way while educating them about some of the most beautiful and exotic animals in the world. It’s their goal to provide others with the opportunity to learn about, view and even touch some of the animals.

Visit Brad’s World Reptiles, each day in the Ball Park near the Carnival.

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LOS MORALITOS CIRCUS T

he Los Moralitos Circus is coming to the Fair, not only is it their first time performing at the Santa Cruz County Fair, but it’s their first time performing their show in California!

They are bringing family fun and excitement with a high-energy performance of tumbling, acrobats, unicycles, aerialists and more.

Los Moralitos is a 4th generation of circus performers, who take great pride in putting together a first class professional performance for all ages. You can expect to see their 30-foot tall ‘wheel of death’ in which Jonathan performs great stunts both inside and outside of the wheel, even walking the wheel blindfolded. Their 5th generation performer, the Vazquez’s 7 year old daughter, will perform an act called contortions, where she bends her body like a pretzel. The show will also feature the ‘Globe of Death’ where motorcycle riders will ride around in 360-degree circles. And Chuy the Clown will make an appearance, leaving your stomach sore from laughing so much!

Los Moralitos owner Jonathan Vazquez

says, “We are excited to be expanding out to your community and will hopefully make this a Fair we perform at for many years to come.”

Come to the Ball Park at the Fair to see them tumbling and soaring through the air as you watch their show your jaw is sure to drop!

MONSTER TRUCKS and MOTOCROSS - 2021

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t’s back for the sixth year and it is two nights of Monster Trucks and Motocross. This motorsport event brings the thrill of huge trucks and daredevil motorcycles all going air born. And there is a special connection to the Fair; the monster trucks are the passion of Watsonville resident Kelvin Ramer.

Oh and then there is the thing they do with the big ‘ol RV. You’ll laugh till you cry!

So pick the most convenient evening and make it to the Fairgrounds for Monster Trucks and Motocross on Wednesday, September 15 and Thursday, September 16. Both shows roar into action at 7:30 p.m.

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Santa Cruz County Fair | Cool Shades & Tractor Parades

Proudly supporting our community and the Santa Cruz County Fair!

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(831) 724-3576

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ENJOY THE FAIR

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Camel Rides F

air visitors usually walk over to the livestock area expecting to see pigs, cattle, sheep, goats and other familiar fair animals. And perhaps to enjoy a guilty pleasure, a milkshake at the clover deli. But camels? Returning to the Santa Cruz County Fair, visitors will have the chance to ride a camel, which isn’t exactly something you get to do often if ever at all!

The camel ride track will be located between the Pig Races and the Livestock Show Arena, two or three people can ride one of the camels at a time, depending on the amount of spaces available in the saddle. Rider weight isn’t really a factor for these large animals as they can carry over half of their own weight.

The rides will be atop Dromedary camels, meaning that they have only one hump. Two humped camels are known as Bactrians. The camels you will ride were obtained from domestic breeders in the United States, as camels are no longer allowed to be imported into the U.S. These camels are taken care of to the highest of ethical standards and are treated with much love.

The camels enjoy a diet similar to what many horses eat; grass, hay, and grain. All the camels are extremely docile and enjoy being around people.

Contrary to what many people think, the humps of the camels are not filled with water. Instead, the humps are filled with dense fat.

This fat can hold water for up to three weeks, which allows camels to survive for long periods of time without water in the desert. In addition, camels do no spit or bite like many people believe… llamas do that.

The opportunity to ride camels is one more reason why the Fair is unique and has something fun for the entire family.

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Cisco

Jim H

e strolls, he sings, he tells stories and teaches about life er time here in earli in an . the west He’s Cisco Jim, a retired educator who is still educating from atop a horse.

You’ll find him roving the grounds daily at the 2021 Santa Cruz County Fair.

Santa Cruz County Fair | Cool Shades & Tractor Parades

Aja Vu and Stealin’ Chicago F riday night at 7:30 on the Main Amphitheater Stage one of the best bay area tribute bands will light up the Santa Cruz County Fair. Aja Vu & Stealin’ Chicago celebrate the magical music of Steely Dan and Chicago.

One Band. Two Great Tributes!

Aja Vu has long performed the music of Steely Dan and now they’ve added a second performance of Chicago favorites on the same stage and in the same show.

Now you can hear the songs you know and love played live! From Reelin’ in the Years and Hey 19 to Saturday in the Park

and 25 or 6 to 4, this band performs the best of Steely Dan and Chicago. Come for the pure love of the harmonies and classic horns of the original bands.

Aja Vu and Stealin’ Chicago, Friday night, September 17, 2021 at 7:30 PM on the Main Amphitheater Stage.

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anta Cruz, California based celebrated singer songwriter, Gary Blackburn, brings together his smooth vocals, and stylized guitar picking to his original compositions in the Country, Rock, Folk, Blues genres. Blending old school with contemporary, Gary will weave a memorable musical performance of songs that tell stories of love, forgiveness, and the paths that we choose.

Gary performs his original compositions that include songs off his CD,” Streak of Gray”, some are currently aired on Santa Cruz County radio stations, KPIG 107.5 FM, and KBCZ 89.3 FM. With a well-rounded repertoire, Gary will show both his versatile soft folk blues side along with his high energy rock side, mixing in some cool cover songs that will make you get up, and dance! Gary is the front man of the Gary Blackburn Band on vocals,

Gary Blackburn

and guitar, featuring Kevin Taylor on keyboards, Eric Bumgarner on lead guitar, Tom Levenhagen on bass, and Tom Duncan on drums. You will no doubt experience an enjoyable time listening to Gary’s, “Heartfelt Americana with an Edge”. http://www.garyblackburnmusic.com

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We Proudly Support the Fair Steve Clifton Sr. Mortgage Consultant 120 Aviation Way, Suite 6, Watsonville, CA 95076

NMLS#342204

steve@seabrightmortgage.com www.seabrightmortgage.com/sclifton

Tel: 831.724.7009 Cell: 831.332.5115 Fax: 831.724.2674

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Santa Cruz County Fair | Cool Shades & Tractor Parades

2021 Fair Sponsors GOAT HILL FAIR

Thank You!

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OPEN 7 DAYS