2 minute read
PRESIDENT/MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Manager’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.
Advertisement
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
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
