Fair's 130th birthday celebrated at opening ceremony

Source: The Business Journal

Contributors to the Big Fresno Fair celebrated the fair’s 130th birthday at opening ceremonies Wednesday that included a big birthday cake, award presentations and a salute to a new museum to remember fairs from years gone by. Even the name Wyatt Earp found its way into the ceremonies as John Alkire, fair CEO, discussed what will be displayed in the museum. Alkire explained that Earp, a legend of the Old West, raced horses at the Big Fresno Fair on Oct. 1, 1889. The ceremonies also featured a salute to commercial agriculture, young people in agriculture displaying their animals at the fair and to the people who contribute money and time to continue the success of the annual event. “This fair draws over a half-million people to Fresno,” said Sal Quintero, Fresno councilmember. “It celebrates the county’s diversity. The fair has a focus on giving back to the community.” The Big Fresno Fair is the 5th largest fair in the state and brings $68.8 million to the area annually. It provides $823,000 in tax revenue to the county. The morning ceremonies included 2013 Community Champion award winners including a special award to Al Smith, best known for creating “Legends and Legacies” now running 10 times a week on Fresno’s KMJ radio. He also serves on the Fresno/Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors, Rotary Club of Fresno, Wonder Valley board of directors, Workforce Investment Board and Creating Prosperity in Fresno. Other winners were: Teri and Ken Penfold for volunteerism, David Lopes for education and Sharon Johnson for humanitarianism. Five fair contributors were also honored as 2013 Hall of Fame inductees. They are Tim Bakman, Gary Nelson, Mike Fitzgerald, Robert Smittcamp and Marvin A. Meyers. “You have a model fair,” said Karen Ross, secretary for California Department of Food and Agriculture, speaking to the large opening ceremony gathering. “Agriculture in Fresno County is worth celebrating every day.”

URL to original article: http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/news/agriculture/8994-fair-s-130th-birthday-celebrated-at-opening-ceremony

For further information on Fresno Real Estate check: http://www.londonproperties.com