New Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Leader

Ken Alstott is the new interim manager of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, also known as 14th District Agricultural Association, for the next six months.

He’s coming after Dave Kegebein was fired in October by the governorappointed fair board after 11 years and a critical state audit, with board president Don Dietrich taking over as interim manager and then Kelley Ferreira as a parttime CEO.

In an email, Alstott described himself this way: “I’m a retired manager from the District Agricultural Association Fairs. I’ve managed/consulted numerous fairs over the past 18 years. My vision is to ensure the daily operations of the fairgrounds and the upcoming fair are met with high expectations.”

He added, “This area has a wonderful fair/facility in which they should be proud. We will work hard to maintain the appearance and customer service this community expects. Please continue to volunteer and support your fairgrounds!”

Alstott was CEO of the Cow Palace in Daly City for three years. After that, he was called to the Mother Lode Fair, where his task was to reunite the board and listen to the community. There he called himself a project guy who has experience with nonprofits and foundations.

He knows state rules and regulations for fairs.

Originally from the San Bernardino area, he spent 8 years at CEO of the San Bernardino County Fair.

He also spent 20 years in law enforcement, including working investigations at the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office.

San Benito County Fair has been advertising for volunteers since February.

Community volunteer Ron Sandidge said Alstott has stepped in and resolved issues with multiple fairgrounds.

Currently Alstott lives in Tennessee and will split his time between here and there, Sandidge said, noting Alstott hit the ground running “by getting staff to weed flower beds at Heritage Hall entrance before the Farm Bureau lunch. He’s made time to meet with representatives from the Fair Foundation to review their reports to the fairgrounds and was favorably impressed.”

Sandidge said Alstott has talked to Fairgrounds Foundation volunteer executive director Jeannie Kegebein and John Kegebein, the fair CEO who retired in 2010, and Jessica Ayala, a regular attendee at fair board meetings and a critic of Dave Kegebein.

“He apparently cuts right to the chase, and sees through the hogwash,” said Sandidge of Alstott. “Everything we have heard about him so far is favorable.” n

The fairgrounds office phone number is (831) 724-5671. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The next meeting is 1:30 p.m. May 23. The agenda will be posted at www.santacruzcountyfair.com