Santa Cruz County Fair & Horse Show by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

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of contents

Fair Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message Fair Schedule Map of County Fair Heritage Hog All-Alaskan Racing Pigs Life Entertainment Agriculture Department Diaper Derby The Poultry Department Agricultural History Project New Board Members Michael Mezmer Jamie Lynn Spears Long Time Fairgrounds Volunteer Turns Vision into Reality Fair Unveils 2014 Poster

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Fair

at a Glance

2014 Santa Cruz County Fair September 9-14, 2014 Hours Tuesday - NOON to 10:00 pm Wednesday through Friday - Noon to 11pm Saturday - 10am to 11pm, Sunday - 10am to 10pm 2601 East Lake Avenue Watsonville, CA 95076

Admission Daily

Adults 13 to 61 Children 6 to 12 Children 5 and under Seniors 62 and better Parking

$10.00 ($9.00 Advance) $5.00 ($4.00 Advance and Free on Kid’s Day, 9/10) Free $8.00 ($5.00 on Senior Day, Tuesday, 9/9 at the Gate Only and $7.00 Advance for Wednesday - Sunday) $5.00 (Main Lot) $20.00 (Valet)

Entertainment All Shows, except Sunday, at 7:30 PM on the Amphitheater Stage Tuesday 9/9 Wednesday 9/10

The No Respect Band Meghan Linsey (Formerly of Steel Magnolias) with Tyler Cain, lead guitarist for Big and Rich Thursday 9/11 Tsunami Band Friday 9/12 Jamie Lynn Spears Saturday 9/13 The Houserockers Sunday 9/15 @ 7:00pm Morros del Norte (Main Horse Show Arena)

Information at

www.santacruzcountyfair.com or 831-724-5671

ormally Airport Boulevard and Highway 152 handle the cars and farm trucks pretty well. But those who routinely travel some portion of Airport to Holohan to Hwy 152 and on to the Fair know what “Traffic Jam” means. The second week of September is guaranteed to produce long lines making the trek to our annual celebration.

Alternate Routes

Before you head to this year’s fair grab the attached map and use it to find a road less traveled. It isn’t necessarily shorter in distance but may be quicker in time. At the very least following roads with names like Casserly and Carlton will certainly take you through some beautiful country. Let there be no doubt, the 2014 Santa Cruz County Fair is worth the trip and this year you can navigate the back roads like a local.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Fair Guide

www.santacruzcountyfair.com

Fair Guide 2014 is a publication of the Times Publishing Group 9601 Soquel Dr., Aptos, CA 95003

Publisher/Editor Patrice Edwards

Graphic Design Fani Nicheva

Editor Noel Smith

Production Sandra Gonzalez

Poster/Cover Artist

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Santa Cruz

Board LORETTA ESTRADA

President/Santa Cruz County Fair

of Directors Santa Cruz County Fair

JODY BELGARD

Director/Santa Cruz County Fair

STEPHANIE FONTANA Director/Santa Cruz County Fair

Rachel Nigh

Sales Representatives Don Beaumont, Michelle Hayes, John Coulter, Maggie Caldwell, Judy Block Entire contents ©2014 by Patrice Edwards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

BRUCE ONETO

Western Fairs Association

Director/Santa Cruz County Fair

NOT PICTURED

/Sched

DON DIETRICH

Director/Santa Cruz County Fair

ERIC HAMMER

Design

stplace

ule

Fa i r P r o g r

four time winner

Director/Santa Cruz County Fair

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Fair Guide

www.santacruzcountyfair.com

BILL BARTON & TONY CAMPOS

STUART YAMAMOTO Director/Santa Cruz County Fair

Fair Manager’s Message As your Fairgrounds Manager I want to personally thank all of the people in our community who are working so incredibly hard to maintain and improve your Fairgrounds as the amazing community resource that it has been for many years. The people who are renting and utilizing the facilities, writing the checks to improve our buildings and grounds, and volunteering their time & talents are continuing to make improvements to the overall condition of the property and facilities. The annual Santa Cruz County Fair is Tuesday, September 9 thru Sunday, September 14. Volunteers are creating many new displays and exhibits for this year’s Fair. You’ll find a simplified entry system that allows everyone to enter their items without doing any advanced paperwork in most departments. Just bring your entry on the correct dates. Again this year we will have Valet Parking available for $20 during the entire 2014 Fair.

DAVID KEGEBEIN

Drive into the marked lane behind the Heritage Hall and our volunteers will guide you. With Valet service you will have an opportunity to purchase fair admissions or redeem your passes at a special entrance between the Heritage Hall and the Floriculture Building.

Please attend this year’s new Opening Night Gala in the Heritage Hall. Tickets include Valet parking, admission, premium beverages & special foods including those from Bill the Oyster Man, plus Rodgers House tours. I hope you will come out and help me thank the many creative volunteers and employees of the Santa Cruz County Fair. And while you’re here try and have a little fun. Actually when you are at the Fair it is almost impossible not to have a whole lot fun! Dave Kegebein, Manager Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

September 9, 2014 Senior’s Day - $5.00 Admission for Seniors age 62 and over

Daily Scheduled

8:00 am 9:00 am 11:00 am NOON NOON-1:30 pm NOON-4:00 pm NOON-5:00 pm NOON-6:00 pm NOON-6:00 pm NOON-7:00 pm NOON-8:00 pm NOON-8:00 pm NOON-8:00 pm NOON-8:00 pm NOON-8:00 pm NOON-9:00 pm NOON-9:00 pm NOON-9:00 pm NOON-9:00 pm NOON-9:00 pm NOON–10:00 pm NOON-10:00 pm 12:30–3:30 pm 12:30-1:30 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:00-3:00 pm 1:30 pm 1:30 pm 1:30-2:00 pm 1:30-3:00 pm 2:00 pm 2:00 pm 2:00 pm 2:00-3:00 pm

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Tuesday

Grounds Entertainment & Attractions

Welcome to All! 11:50 AM Opening Ceremony: the Star-Spangled Banner sung by Ted Sanchez at Rodgers House| NOON Fair Opens | NOON - 3:00PM Farm Bureau BBQ (ticketed event) at Paddy Smith Park |12:30-7:30 PM Puppy Palooza Doggie Adoption & Demonstrations at Ball Park | 5:30-8:30 PM Gala Opening (ticketed event) at Heritage Hall

12:30-4:30 PM Atlas Robotics | Roving the Grounds Throughout Day Balloonacy | Roving the Grounds Throughout Day Captain Jack Spareribs | Roving the Grounds

Entertainment, Demonstrations & Livestock Events

2:00-6:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:00-4:00 pm 3:30 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 4:00-8:00 pm 4:00-8:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 5:00-7:00 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 8:45 pm 9:00 pm 10:00 pm 10:00 pm

September 10, 2014

2nd - 4th Grade Education Day 9:00 AM Noon | Kids Day Noon-11:00 PM; Free Admission for Kids 12 and Under Fair hours: Noon-11:00 PM

Daily Scheduled

9 - NOON 9 - 11 am 9 - NOON 9 - NOON 9 - 4 pm 9 - 6 pm 9 - 6 pm 9 - 9 pm 9 -9 pm 9 -9 pm 9 -9 pm 9:30 am 10 am 10:30 am 11:30 am NOON-7 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-9 pm NOON-10 pm NOON-10 pm 12:30 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 - 3 pm 1 - 3 pm 1:30 pm 1:30 pm 1:30-3 pm 2 pm 2 - 6 pm 2 pm 2:30 pm 2:30 pm

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Wednesday

Grounds Entertainment & Attractions

Welcome to All! NOON Fair Opens | 12:30-7:30 PM Puppy Palooza Doggie Adoption & Demonstrations at Ball Park

12:30-4:30 PM Atlas Robotics | Roving the Grounds Throughout Day Balloonacy | Roving the Grounds Throughout Day Captain Jack Spareribs | Roving the Grounds

Entertainment, Demonstrations & Livestock Events

3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 - 4 pm 3:30 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 - 8 pm 4 - 8 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5 -7 pm 5:30 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 -10 pm 6:30 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm 8:45 pm 9 PM 10 PM 11 PM

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Thursday

NOON Fair Opens | 12:30-7:30 PM Puppy Palooza Doggie Adoption & Demonstrations at Ball Park

September 11, 2014 2nd - 4th Grade Education Day 9:00 AM-Noon Fair hours: Noon-11:00 PM

Daily Scheduled

9 am-NOON 8 am AM 9 am AM 9 am AM 9 am-11am 9 am-NOON 9 am-NOON 9 am-6 pm 9 am-6 pm 9 am-9 pm 9 am-9 pm 9 am-9 pm 10:30 am 11:30 am NOON-4 pm NOON-7 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-9 pm NOON-9 pm NOON-10 pm NOON–10 pm 12:30 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:00 pm 1-3 pm 1-3 pm 1:30 pm 1:30-3 pm 2 pm 2-6 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm

Welcome to All!

Grounds Entertainment & Attractions

12:30-4:30 PM 6:00-9:00 PM Throughout Day Throughout Day

Atlas Robotics | Roving the Grounds Mariachi de California | Roving the Grounds Balloonacy | Roving the Grounds Captain Jack Spareribs | Roving the Grounds

Entertainment, Demonstrations & Livestock Events

Education Day Activities 4-H/FFA Horse Show | Horseshow Arena 3 4-H and FFA Beef and Dairy Cattle Shows | Livestock Main Arena Ranch Horse Versatility | Main Horseshow Arena Meet Agriculture Detection Canine | Harvest Building Robotics, Machines & Flight Demos | Crosetti Building Pottery with George Dymesich & Co | Fine Arts Building Spinning Demonstrations | Yesterday’s Farm Claudia’s Kitchen | Yesterday’s Farm Meet Small Animals | Small Animal Barn Egg Laying Poultry Building Animal Nursery | Livestock Area SC Canine Assn. Police Search & Rescue Dogs | Amphitheater Stage SC Canine Assn. Police Search & Rescue Dogs | Amphitheater Stage Q&A: SC Railroad Historical Society (SCCRHS) | Model Railroad Woodcarving | Harvest Building Roses & Q&A w/Monterey Bay Rose Society members | Rose Garden Early Day Gas Engine &Tractor Assoc Demonstrations | Yesterday’s Farm Rug Braiding Demonstration | Harvest Building Knitting Demonstrations | Harvest Building Quilting Demonstrations | Harvest Building Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! | Bug Barn SCCRHS RHS -N, HO & G-Scale layouts | Model Railroad Candy Jar Contest | Harvest Building Owl Theater | Yesterday’s Farm All Alaskan Racing Pigs | Livestock Lawn Balloonacy Playhouse Stage Kiddieland Opens | Carnival Midway Riegler’s Bird Show | Paddy Smith Park Learn to Drive a Tractor | Yesterday’s Farm Tech for Kids Workshop | Crosetti Building Captain Jack Spareribs | Playhouse Stage Antique Equipment Demonstrations & Restorations | Yesterday’s Farm Kids Pedal Tractor Pulls | Livestock Lawn Docent-Led Tours | Rodgers House Wild West Turkey Stampede | Tank House Lawn Main Carnival Rides Open | Carnival Midway

3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3-4 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4-8 pm 4-8 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5-7 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 5:30-8:30 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm 8:45 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm

2014 Board Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Welcome

2014 has been a very busy year. After two years serving as the volunteer manager, Dave Kegebein was named the official fair manager in January. He has done a fantastic job of getting things done around the grounds and increasing the number of rentals we have during the year. More rentals mean more income to help maintain our beautiful 105 acres.

LORETTA ESTRADA

As you walk by the Rodgers house this year you will see major improvements there as well. We have added a new patio between the Rodgers House and Heritage Hall, making it a perfect spot to hold a small wedding. The new landscaping around the house will be easy to spot as visitors come through the main gate and I want to thank our donors to both of these projects. I want to say thank you to all the volunteers who spend many hours before the Fair opens to incorporate each yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme throughout the Fairgrounds. Sew it, Grow it, Show it will be on display wherever you look and this theme really reflects on one of the main missions of our County Fair. So with the new entrance completed and the flowers are blooming, we look forward to a great and successful 2014 Fair. I hope you enjoy your time with us and get a chance to experience the food, entertainment, animals - big and small, our wonderful Agricultural History Project, home arts, and Horse Show.

Loretta Estrada

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Friday

Welcome to All! NOON Fair Opens | 12:30-7:30 PM Puppy Palooza Doggie Adoption & Demonstrations at Ball Park

September 12, 2014 Date Night at the Fair Fair hours: Noon-11:00 PM

Daily Scheduled

7:30 am 8:00 am 8:30-9:30 am 9 am 9:30 am NOON-3 pm NOON-4 pm NOON-6 pm NOON-6 pm NOON-7 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-9 pm NOON-9 pm NOON-9 pm NOON-9 pm NOON-9 pm NOON-10 pm NOON-10 pm 12:30 pm 12:30 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1-2 pm 1-3 pm 1:30 pm 1:30-3 pm 2pm 2-6 pm 2:30 pm 2:30 pm 2:30 pm

Grounds Entertainment & Attractions

12:30-4:30 PM 6:00-9:00 PM Throughout Day Throughout Day

Atlas Robotics | Roving the Grounds Mariachi de California | Roving the Grounds Balloonacy | Roving the Grounds Captain Jack Spareribs | Roving the Grounds

Entertainment, Demonstrations & Livestock Events

English Equitation Classes | Horseshow Arena 2 Hunter-Jumper Show | Main Horseshow Arena 4-H Youth Rabbit Check-In | Livestock Tent 4-H and FFA Junior Dairy Goat Show | Livestock Main Arena 4-H Youth Rabbit Show | Livestock Tent Acrylic Painting with Frances Travers | Fine Arts Building Q&A: SC Railroad Historical Society (SCCRHS) | Model Railroad Claudia’s Kitchen | Yesterday’s Farm Spinning Demonstrations | Yesterday’s Farm Woodcarving | Harvest Building Early Day Gas Engine &Tractor Assoc Demonstrations | Yesterday’s Farm Rug Braiding Demonstration | Harvest Building Knitting Demonstrations | Harvest Building Quilting Demonstrations | Harvest Building Roses & Q&A w/Monterey Bay Rose Society members | Rose Garden SCCRHS RHS -N, HO & G-Scale layouts | Model Railroad Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! | Bug Barn Meet Small Animals | Small Animal Barn Egg Laying Poultry Building Animal Nursery | Livestock Area Candy Jar Contest | Harvest Building Owl Theater Yesterday’s Farm All Alaskan Racing Pigs | Livestock Lawn Balloonacy Playhouse Stage Kiddieland Opens | Carnival Midway Riegler’s Bird Show | Paddy Smith Park Kids Pedal Tractor Pulls | Livestock Lawn Technology for Kids Demos | Crosetti Building Learn to Drive a Tractor | Yesterday’s Farm Captain Jack Spareribs | Playhouse Stage Antique Equipment Demonstrations & Restorations | Yesterday’s Farm All Alaskan Racing Pigs | Livestock Lawn Docent-Led Tours | Rodgers House Wild West Turkey Stampede | Tank House Lawn Balloonacy | Playhouse Stage Rockets K-9 Comets | Ball Park

3 pm 3-4 PM 3 PM 3:30 PM 4 PM 4 PM 4-6 pm 4-8 pm 4-8 pm 4:30 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5-5:30 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 5:30-8:30 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6:15 pm 6:30 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm 9 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm

Th e

W a ter

MAIN STREET American Fuel

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Saturday

10:00 AM Fair Opens | 10:00 AM Main Carnival Rides Open at Carnival Midway | 10:00 AM Kiddieland Opens at Carnival Midway | 10:30 AM-7:30 PM Puppy Palooza Doggie Adoption & Demos at Ball Park

September 13, 2014 Junior Livestock Auction Fair hours: 10:00 AM-11:00 PM

Daily Scheduled

7 am 7:30 am 7:30 am 9 am 9 am 10 am 10 - 11am 10 am-1 pm 10 am-5 pm 10 am-6 pm 10 am-6 pm 10 am-6 pm 10 am-8 pm 10 am-9 pm 10 am-9 pm 10 am-9 pm 10 am-9:30pm 10:30 am-NOON 11 am 11 am 11 am-3 pm 11:30 am NOON NOON NOON NOON-5 pm NOON-7 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-9 pm NOON-10pm NOON-10pm 12:30 pm 1 pm 1 pm

Welcome to All!

Grounds Entertainment & Attractions

12:30-4:30 PM Atlas Robotics | Roving the Grounds Throughout Day Balloonacy | Roving the Grounds Throughout Day Captain Jack Spareribs | Roving the Grounds

Entertainment, Demonstrations & Livestock Events

1 pm 1:30 pm 1:30 pm 2 pm 2-6 pm 2:30 pm 2:30 pm 2:30 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm-4 pm 3 pm-5 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 4 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5:30 pm 5:30-8:30 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6:15 pm 6:30 pm 7 pm 7 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 8 pm 8:45 pm 9:30 pm 10 pm 11pm

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Sunday

10:00 AM Fair Opens | 10:00 AM Main Carnival Rides Open at Carnival Midway | 10:00 AM Kiddieland Opens at Carnival Midway | 10:30 AM-7:30 PM Puppy Palooza Doggie Adoption & Demos at Ball Park

September 14, 2014 Fair hours: 10:00 AM-10:00 PM Livestock Area Closes at 6:00 PM

Daily Scheduled 9 am 9 am-9 pm 10 am-4 pm 10 am-5 pm 10 am-6 pm 10 am-7 pm 10 AM-9 pm 10 AM-9 pm 10 AM-9 pm 10 AM-9 pm 11 am 11-NOON 11 am-1 pm 11 am-3 pm 11:30 am 11:30 am NOON NOON NOON NOON-5 pm NOON-8 pm NOON-9 pm NOON–10 pm NOON-10 pm 12:30 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1 pm 1:30 pm 1:30 pm 1:30-3 pm 2 pm

Grounds Entertainment & Attractions

Welcome to All!

12:30-4:30 PM 6:00-9:00 PM Throughout Day Throughout Day

Atlas Robotics | Roving the Grounds Mariachi de California | Roving the Grounds Balloonacy | Roving the Grounds Captain Jack Spareribs | Roving the Grounds

Entertainment, Demonstrations & Livestock Events

2 pm 2 pm 2-6 pm 2:30 pm 2:30 pm 2:30 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 3-5 pm 3-7 pm 3:30 pm 3:30 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4-9 pm 4:30 pm 5 pm 5 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 5:30 pm 5:30-8:30 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6 pm 6:30 pm 7 pm 7 pm 8 pm 8:45 pm 10 pm 10 pm 11 pm

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eritage Hog R

eality is that the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds receives no funding from either state or local governments. The Fairgrounds is selffunded, existing solely on revenues generated from year round event rentals, the annual Fair, and contributions to the Heritage Foundation. In 2013 the foundation spent $68,500 on replacement equipment and $77,900 on maintenance, much of it deferred for far too long. The foundation has announced that it is time to do more than just try and maintain ancient structures and antiquated utility systems, the time has come to upgrade. Acknowledging the current management team’s ability to stretch a budget dollar, they have decided to tackle the chronically trouble-plagued water system. The

Heritage Foundation plans include well repairs, 60,000 gallons of on-site water storage, emergency generator upgrades and all necessary equipment. The projected budget for this work is $150,000. One of the answers to how they’ll raise these funds is the Heritage Hog Donor Program. A $1,000 dollar donation assists the effort and earns the donor some nice benefits. The young lady you see attached to this story, Leesha Lopes, was selected to raise Jenny, the donated hog. She has earned a scholarship for her further education and will present the Heritage Hog during the livestock auction held on Saturday of the Fair. More information on the Heritage Hog Donor Program and a link to donate is available on the Heritage Foundation’s website sccfheritage.org.

Heritage Hog (Jenny) and 4-H member raising the hog, Leesha Lopes 22

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Fair Guide

www.santacruzcountyfair.com

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ll Alaskan Racing Pigs

he racing pigs return to the beautiful lawn near the Livestock Area, bringing cheering crowds to the Santa Cruz County Fair. These prestigious porkers have appeared in hundreds of television news reports and over 500 newspaper articles, and they’re returning to the Santa Cruz Fair for three appearances daily. Although the Alaska State Fair has been their home site for 27 years, they have a soft spot for Santa Cruz County, according to manager Bart Noll. “We first played here in 1988 and had a blast – the Santa Cruz County Fair fans are the best!” he says, adding that they’ve returned two dozen times since. Two of the main ingredients for the All-Alaskan Racing Pig shows are comedy and competition. These perky pigs are natural hams, so to speak, and they’ve brought home the bacon at shows all over the western U.S. and Alaska. Another important ingredient of the race is cookies, which is the treat that the pigs are racing to win. Each race only lasts about six seconds (these pigs are fast!) and each 20-minute show features four races. Bart Noll admits that his eight pigs are a little spoiled. They live in an air-conditioned trailer, eat well and get a fresh cedar or pine bedding change twice daily. “They love what they do,” Bart says, “and they like people and are fun to work with.” Watch to see which one of the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs tries to hog the limelight at races held every day in their Fair home on the Livestock Lawn

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Fair Guide

www.santacruzcountyfair.com www.santacruzcountyfair.com

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Fair Guide

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IFE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE FAIR All Shows, except Sunday, at 7:30 PM on the Amphitheater Stage TUESDAY 9/9 WEDNESDAY 9/10 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

9/11 9/12 9/13 9/15 @ 7:00 PM

The No Respect Band Meghan Linsey (Formerly of Steel Magnolias) with Tyler Cain, lead guitarist for Big and Rich Tsunami band Jamie Lynn Spears The Houserockers Morros del Norte (Main Horse Show Arena)

South Bay Swing Band South Bay Swing Band will perform for the first time at the Fair on opening day with the first of two sets on the main Amphitheater Stage starting at 12:30 PM. The band was formed as a rehearsal band in June 1998 under the direction of Steve Chambers. Chambers, a clarinetist/saxophonist, holds a BA in music from San Jose State University, was a charter member of the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra, performs with the Central Coast Sax Quartet, and leads the Steve Chambers Quintet. The band was formed to provide an opportunity to play and perform music from the Big Band Era and also to encompass the talents of local professionals, talented amateurs, and accomplished youth musicians from the area. South Bay Swing Band started performing in 1999, added popular vocalists Ted Sanchez and Patti Lemon and expanded their song repertoire. They also recorded their first CD “Steppin’ Out” and played a private gala for the Millennium New Year’s Eve at Pajaro Dunes on the coast. Year 2000 brought talented vocalist Sandra Marlowe to the group as well as regular performances

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Fair Guide

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at the Lighthouse in Morgan Hill and Mt Madonna Inn. Appearances included the City of Gilroy’s 75th Birthday Bash, Mirassou Winery, and their first appearance on the main stage at the famed Gilroy Garlic Festival. A second CD, “Uptown Stomp”, was recorded in 2001 and the band added shows including Morgan Hill’s Downtown Friday Night Music Series, Gilroy’s Community Summer Concert Series, opening for the Joe Sharino Band at Santa Cruz County’s Monte Foundation Fundraiser at Sea Cliff Beach and more performances at the Garlic Festival. The band has now made seven appearances at the Garlic Festival and has been a featured performer at Paul Mason Winery. South Bay Swing Band retains the educational endeavor to bring talented youth to the organization to gain some knowledge of the era and provide hands on experience. The band brings back the classic pop tunes of the times, the full horn shout choruses, the driving rhythms, the catchy vocals and the smooth, lush ballads and harmonies.

Megan Lindsey Meghan Linsey was born and raised with the magic of New Orleans in her backyard. Linsey attributes her influences to growing up in the midst of such a musical melting pot along with listening to the soulful voices of Etta James and Aretha Franklin and the self-penned songs of Dolly Parton, Patty Griffin, and many others. At fourteen, Linsey started doing shows with her own band playing festivals, fairs and honkytonks. By the time she turned 15 she was opening events for Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and other major artists, which fueled her passion to become the opening act. During this time Linsey also started making frequent trips to Nashville to play at the legendary Bluebird Cafe, often staying for the second show where Nashville’s best writers shared their well-crafted songs. It was then, that Linsey fell in love with both Music City and country music. After having heard Linsey perform, it wasn’t long before she was penning original songs with the hit songwriters she’d been watching at the Bluebird. She then embarked on recording her first album. With several years of performing, writing and making the eight-hour trip from Louisiana to Tennessee under her belt, Linsey graduated high school and promptly moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. Pursuing her dream

of being a songwriter and recording artist was her top priority. In order to support her artist career, Linsey took a job hosting karaoke downtown while continuing to write and play songwriter rounds. It was while she was working in Printer’s Alley that she met Joshua Scott Jones. The two started singing together and quickly amassed a following who were drawn to the soulful blend of their voices along with their unique melodies and refreshing lyrics. The duo, Steel Magnolia emerged and they started writing to specifically brand their own sound Steel Magnolia went on to win the 2nd season of CMT’s “Can You Duet.” They released a six song EP of songs they performed on the show and with the release of their first single “Keep On Lovin’ You” going to #4 on the Billboard Country charts, their fan base grew quickly and anxiously awaited the release of their debut album. In 2010 their debut self-titled album was released, and it went to #3 on the Billboard Country charts. Steel Magnolia is no longer, the duo having split to pursue solo careers. The Santa Cruz County Fair is pleased to host Meghan along with Tyler Cain, lead guitarist for Big and Rich. These two have been pairing up when their schedules allow and will be on the main Amphitheater Stage, Wednesday evening, September 10, at 7:30 PM.

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griculture Department The Agriculture/Horticulture Department will welcome two new exhibitors to the Harvest Building this year, the Santa Cruz County Agriculture Commissioners Office and the Department of Weights and Measures. Both are presenting valuable historical information about their commitment to protecting the economic health of the community. Visitors can also view 200 rare heirloom apple varieties provided by the California Rare Fruit Growers, Monterey Bay Chapter. Santa Cruz Heirloom Seed will give away over 1,000 free kale plants, available in the Harvest Building throughout the fair. The exhibit has doubled in size this year in order to accommodate planting demonstrations and seed sales by the heirloom seed company Seed Saver Exchange. Lakeside Organic Gardens, the 2013 Best of Show Commercial Exhibitor, has nearly three dozen varieties of locally grown organic produce on display including leafy greens, cauliflower, root vegetables, broccoli, beans, and radishes. Lakeside Organics also donates produce that serves as samples for the public each year. The Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau is planning to create a stunning display reflecting this year’s fair theme “Sew it, Grow it, Show it”and incorporating the history of logging in Santa Cruz County. Coming back this year are the Gilroy Beekeepers Association, Monterey Mushrooms, Ocean Mist Farms, Second Harvest Food Bank, Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Monterey Bay Spice Company, Santa Cruz County Mosquito, Vector Control and many Fair favorites. The Third Annual Strawberry Pie Eating Contest will take place Saturday evening at 5 p.m. on the Tank House Stage. The reigning 2012 and 2013 champion, Jonathan Weininger, will be back to defend his title. Prospective competitors can meet at the Tank House Stage to face-off against Weininger in the fast-paced pie eating contest. For many fair goers it will be good news to hear that recipes and samples will be given away again in the “Cooks Kitchen” demonstration booth located in the middle of the Harvest Building. Featured cooks will be on hand as well.

State Parks This year Santa Cruz County Fair is joining the state park system in commemorating the 150th year of California State Parks. Several areas of the Fair are welcoming entries with State Park themes such as uses of native plants in Home Arts, my favorite state park in Floriculture, handwoven articles made of wool from Wilder Ranch State Historic Park in Handspun/Handwoven, and animation with a state park theme in Technology. In the Fair’s Youth Department each 4-H Club has chosen a specific state park as their booth theme and Scouts are presenting general information about California State Parks. At Yesterday’s Farm on Wednesday and Friday nights at 7:30 attendees can demonstrate their skills at making the favorite camping dessert - S’mores!

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Fair Guide

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Sew SewititGrow GrowititShow Showitit 30

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Fair Guide

iaper Derby

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The Diaper Derby is at 12:00 noon Saturday, (Crawlers only please) ; The Toddler Contest begins at 12:30 PM; Bring your little competitor out to Paddy Smith Park and perhaps take home a trophy!

Sew SewititGrow GrowititShow Showitit

he Poultry Department “Santa Cruz County was once known for its poultry. Due to local pride and enthusiasm for this industry, and to demonstrate the superiority of the poultry found in Santa Cruz, local poultry men organized an egg laying contest in 1918. The contest was a great success and continued for thirteen years, from 1918 through 1931.” This interesting bit of local history was found in an article originally published in Pathways to the Past: Adventures in Santa Cruz County History, Journal No. 6 2009©

of knowing what is in their food. Many even utilize the waste product in order to enhance their yard or garden and this practice has become a very fulfilling endeavor. Please come visit the Poultry Department and learn more. In the past the Poultry Department has had entries and displays that range from very basic standard breeds of poultry to exotic varieties. Some of these have included: wild turkeys, bronze turkeys, Golden Pheasants, bantam chickens, Polish breeds (looks like Tina Turner or Rod Stewart), Swedish Flower Chicken, Pharaoh Quail, geese, Guinea Fowl (from West Africa), peafowl (from India), and on and on. Breed categories start at less than 1 lb. but can weigh in at up to 13 lbs. Can you imagine?

According to the article, as the economy declined in the 1920’s and 1930’s, there was a real change in the Santa Cruz poultry industry. By the late 1930’s one poultry farm after another disappeared as there were restrictions on new operations. As a result, the Santa Cruz poultry district became concentrated in Although, the department chair doesn’t know until the Live Oak area. the last minute what will be entered, he does know Today there is a real resurgence in raising chickens for sure that every year is different, noisy, and just a around the house known as “backyard poultry”. little smelly! Then chairman Terry Reader adds with Folks are taking pride in raising their own chickens a smile “We can’t wait to see you at the Fair!” in order to exercise self-reliance and take charge

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Captain Jack Spareribs Captain Jack will entertain children and bring the inner kid in all parents by crossing swords with you! Captain Jack is a new addition to the Fair and performs three times daily on the Playhouse Stage.

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gricultural History Project Located near the entrance of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is The Agricultural History Project (AHP). This active organization has presented “Yesterday’s Farm” during the Santa Cruz County Fair for the past 25 years. Each year they reach back in history to showcase what life was like living on a farm or ranch in the Pajaro Valley area and finding interesting, fun, and new ways to bring that history to Fair visitors. At Yesterday Farm’s Codiga Center and Museum view exhibits titled: History of Apples, Dairy Farming, Beef Cattle Ranching, Early Life in a Farm Home, and what was for the times, the game changing Frozen Food Industry. New for 2014 is the Exhibit on the Berry Industry where visitors will learn that strawberries are not a new product; they were grown here in the 1880’s. It might be a bit hard to imagine now but dairy farming was once a huge industry right up until the 60’s when land values increased and farm regulation caused farmers to look for other ways to use their land. Apples were a prime crop for decades and they inspired the first Santa Cruz County Fairs which were then called “Apple Annuals.” As Fair goers wander through the site they can visit the Caboose, fully restored in 2013, where a docent will discuss the significance of railroads to agricultural and the purpose of the Caboose on the end of a railroad train. The distinctive “putt…putt...putt” of the Early Day Gas and Tractor Association will be heard on the way to the Porter implement shed with its large collection of Horse Drawn Equipment

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on display. At the east end of the building is a collection of hand tools that early farmers and ranchers used to build their homes and farmsteads. Fairly new at AHP is the Borina Tractor Barn that has a collection of restored tractors and implements and at one end Kim Kobow will be doing Horseshoeing Demonstrations. In the Snyder Building a collection of antique automobiles is presented by the Santa Cruz Antique Automobile Association. Also in the building is the restoration shop where they service and restore all of their tractors and vehicles. A docent will be in the shop to answer questions and to explain the current restoration project on which he is working. At 4:00 PM each day there will be a demonstration on the history of the draft horse. After showing how to harness one of these beautiful horses, there will be an opportunity to drive one of Fred Silva’s draft horses around the Gazebo. For the young Fair visitors who really love to drive, at Yesterday’s Farm they can learn to drive a 1948 John Deere tractor between 1:00 and 3:00 PM each day. There will also be a special treat this year. California State Parks is celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the first California State Park, Yosemite, and has asked Fairs to join in the celebration. And that means S’MORES! On Wednesday and Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. AHP will have a small bonfire and provide the fixings for s’mores. Come make a s’more --even take home a special prize! Stop by and join the delicious fun.

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Santa Cruz Fair Board Welcomes New Director Eric Hammer

The Santa Cruz County Fair Board of Directors has welcomed their newest member, Eric Hammer of Brookdale. Hammer is the owner and CEO of Hammer Construction, with offices in Boulder Creek, and has been active in a large number of community groups serving the San Lorenzo Valley.

Eric Hammer

Hammer is a member of the Community Bridges Board of Directors and of the Redwood Mountain Faire Steering Committee. He is vice president of the Boulder Creek Business Association, where he served as president from 2010 to 2013, and a state delegate for the Santa Cruz Democratic Central Committee. Hammer was chair of Community Bridges’ Mountain Community Resources from 2009 to 2011 and of the Boulder Creek Recreation and Parks District Board of Directors in 2005 and 2008. Hammer was sworn in at the April 22, 2014 board meeting and stated that he was looking forward to “Getting in and start lending a hand after spending a little time listening and learning where he was needed most.” Hammer will join six other directors including long serving fellow board member Bruce Oneto of Boulder Creek.

Governor Appoints Two to Fair Board: Bill Barton & Tony Campos With the appointment of William “Bill” Barton of Aptos and Anthony “Tony” Campos of Watsonville, the Santa Cruz County Fair Board of Directors is, for the first time in several years, fully staffed. Barton’s professional career included several positions at Granite Construction, a controller at Spectra-Flux and before that with Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. Barton is a member of the Rotary Club of Freedom, Financial Executives International and the National Association of Corporate Directors. Barton earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Santa Clara University. Campos has been an owner of Coldwell Banker Campos Real Estate since 1977. His public service includes the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and the Watsonville City Council. Campos was chair of the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District Board of Directors, the Zone 7 Pajaro Valley Storm Drain District Board of Directors and the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments. He was chair of the Santa Cruz Local Agency Formation Commission and the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission. The 2014 Santa Cruz County Fair will be held September 9-14 at the Fairgrounds located on Highway 152 just east of Watsonville. Information on the Fair, and the Fairgrounds - a year round entertainment and event venue, can be found at www.santacruzcountyfair.com.

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Michael Mezmer’s Theater of the Mind

It wouldn’t be the Santa Cruz County Fair without Michael Mezmer. And this year again is no exception. Mezmer is a quite the entertainer and, as passers by stop and watch, the audience grows and grows as the show continues. His “Theater of the Mind” shows are designed to enthrall, surprise, and entertain. Under his mesmerizing power, unsuspecting audience members face their fears, lose inhibitions and become a highly entertaining focus of the show. All ages enjoy the entertainment as Mezmer is a world-class “Master of Hypnosis,” and has been delighting audiences with his “Theater of the Mind Comedy Hypnosis Show” at fairs, colleges, corporate gatherings and other events for years. Mezmer has toured throughout the United States and the Far East, performing before millions with standing-room-only crowds at major fairs, amusement parks, festivals, corporate events, universities, night clubs, casinos and other special events. He showed signs of his unusual talent at the tender age of 5 and prior to becoming recognized as a top hypnotist, he appeared in musical comedies, television, films and toured internationally as an award-winning illusionist. Since then has become a well-known and respected expert in the field of hypnosis, has a PhD. in Psychology from Columbia State University and is highly sought after as a lecturer as well as an entertainer. At corporate events and universities around the country, he presents quantum stress management workshops. Mezmer also has had the honor of being an invited guest lecturer and starring performer at the International Hypnotherapy Conference and has been dubbed by the president of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners as the “hypnotist’s hypnotist.” Mezmer will be performing his enchanting show each night on the Tank House Stage.

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Surprising From Zoey 101 ANew Country to Highway 1 Music Star

By Frances Negranza

Jamie Lynn learned about how to bring her stories to life through music and became a part of a community that helped her figure out the kind of artist she wanted to be,” as stated in her webpage biography. Along with Rutherford, Spears has gathered experience with other country music writers including Chris Tompkins, Liz Rose, Lisa Carver and Luke Laird. Spears got her start in the 2002 film Crossroads portraying a younger version of her sister Britney. She appeared on the Nickelodeon comedy-sketch show All That and eventually became the title character in the hit kid’s TV show Zoey 101. In 2006, she won the Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Award for “Best Actress.” Two years later, Spears took a step back from the spot-light and a step forward into her new role of motherhood to focus on raising her daughter, Maddie. After five years of focusing on her daughter and writing music, Spears has excitedly stepped back into the spot light performing at fairs and music festivals, joining Hank Williams Jr., Brad Paisley, Direks Bentley, Thomas Rett, and Leah Turner at the Taste Originally known for her starring role on a hit chil- of Country Music Festival at Hunter Mountain, and dren’s TV show and being a younger sister of a opened two shows in Texas for country legend Alan pop-star, the Louisiana-native Jamie Lynn Spears Jackson back in February. is headed back to her roots as she breaks into the A Rolling Stones article states, “She beams with country music scene. pride in telling stories of fans who see her as Jamie Lynn Spears the country singer, and not “Zoe,” a Immediately embracing the country music style, teen mom or Britney’s little sister.” Spears pulled inspiration from her own life and wrote alongside Rivers Rutherford to create her first debut Jamie Lynn Spears is presented by KRTY Radio and country ballad “How Could I Want More.” The song, will light up the Amphitheater Stage at the Santa released in November of last year, was inspired from Cruz County Fairgrounds on Friday evening, Sepher feelings towards James Watson, who she is now tember 12, 2014. The show starts at 7:30 PM and a happily married to since March of this year. ticket into the Fair is a free ticket into the show.

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Volunteer & Board Member oretta Estrada’s decades of hard work Makes Vision a Reality By Jon Chown In 1963, the Cattlemen’s Association had its first booth at the Santa Cruz County Fair and Loretta Estrada, being the chair of the board, had a lot to do with it. She just married local cattle rancher Frank Estrada two years earlier and it seems that she found her second love that year — the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. “She’s always loved the fair,” Frank said. “She’s always been involved with something there.” For the past five decades her dedication to both is without question. She has volunteered her time for more fairgrounds projects than anybody could count. She’s done so much that there is an oft-used slogan around the fairgrounds, “if you want something done, put Loretta in charge.” “From the time I first met her, she’s been dynamite,” said former fairgrounds manager John Kegebein, who first met Loretta in 1963 when he was in charge of maintenance at the fairgrounds. “She sees the fair as a showcase for the community and really wants everything to be right and to look good.”

The project Loretta is most known for is the Rodgers House. After it was donated by Melanie Kett Wirtanen, the historic home of John Steinbeck’s sister was moved from its spot alongside the East Lake Shopping Center to grace the entrance of the fairgrounds. Since 1998 Estrada has been hard at work leading a group of volunteers in restoring the house to its current magnificence, with much of the restoration funded by Kett Wirtanen, her sister Trisha Kett and other members of the Kett family. “I think she called in every chit and favor she ever earned,” said Pat Johns, who has been full-time volunteer at the fair since 2002. “She got people out of the woodwork to use their expertise to fix that house. She was the Energizer bunny that never stopped going — and she doesn’t let much stand in her way.” “She’s very dedicated and that house has got a lot of loving attention because of her,” Kegebein said. Estrada moved here with her parents as a child. Her

Loretta Estrada in front of the Rogers House

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Frank & Loretta Estrada

Loretta Estrada 1991 and 1992 father was a carpenter who worked on huge projects in the Bay Area, including the Oakland Coliseum, and he followed his brothers here for work. She was working at a hamburger stand on Main Street the first time Frank met her and they soon fell in love. They married in 1961.

community, we’d all be a lot better for it. She has incredible energy. When you see somebody work as hard as she does, and she gets some success, more people want to get involved,” Cavanaugh said. “And regardless of tough times, she gets right back in there and shoots for a higher vision.”

Since then, Loretta has been constantly active in a variety of community activities, most of them having to do with agriculture and the fairgrounds. She and Frank helped get high school rodeo started in California decades ago. More recently, she has been the hand behind the popular Testicle Festival, a fundraiser for the Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers group that serves up “Rocky Mountain oysters.” “I like her doing all these things at the fairgrounds,” Frank laughed. “Then I don’t have all those ‘honey dos’ back at the ranch.”

And it’s Estrada’s “vision” that is the first thing you see when you approach the fairgrounds. And it keeps looking better and better each year.

In addition to her various volunteer service at the fairgrounds, she has also served on the fairgrounds board of directors for nearly 20 years, being first appointed by Gov. George Deukmejian. Dave Cavanaugh was on the board with Loretta for 12 years, two as president. It’s been a rocky past couple of decades for state fairgrounds overall, but Cavanaugh said her tireless, extraordinary dedication to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds was always a huge addition.

New garden areas and walkways have recently been created outside the home, which is a national landmark. Once in terrible shape, it now regularly hosts weddings and other special events. “She had the nice ability with the house to have that big vision of what it could be if all the steps were taken,” Johns said. “And she kept after it, until all the little steps led to something gorgeous out here … and it hasn’t stopped yet.”

“If we had more people like her on the board and in the

Unveils 2014 Poster The Santa Cruz County Fair Board of Directors has unveiled the 2014 Fair poster artwork. Santa Cruz County Fair Board Vice President Don Dietrich congratulates Watsonville artist Rachel Nigh during the April Board of Directors meeting. Nigh is shown here presenting Dietrich a copy of her award winning artwork and accepting a check as winner of the 2014 Poster Art Contest. The 2014 Santa Cruz County Fair will be held September 9-14 at the Fairgrounds located on Highway 152 just east of Watsonville. Information on the Fair, and the Fairgrounds - a year round entertainment and event venue, can be found at www.santacruzcountyfair.com

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