Agriculture Today - October 2007

Big Fresno Fair focuses on education and entertainment

October and the Big Fresno Fair go hand-in-hand. The annual fall event not only showcased the agricultural bounty of the nation’s number one agricultural county, it offered, quite literally, something for everyone.

The 13-day event provided added attractions and many of the familiar, fun activities and good food that draws people each year. The community exhibits in the Agriculture Building featured displays of more than 350 commercial crops grown in the county. Communities such as Easton, Parlier, Sanger, Orange Cove, Kingsburg, Fowler, Selma, Clovis and others built colorful displays to showcase the bounty.

In addition, the County’s young producers displayed their livestock husbandry skills on both Saturdays of the Fair as part of the Junior Livestock Auction. The dairy replacement heifer, dairy goats and fur and feathers sale was held on Oct. 6, while the auction featuring beef cattle, swine, sheep and goats was held on Oct. 13.

The popular Fair Education Program was back again this year, with an estimated 20,000 school children, chaperones, teachers and guests visiting the fair to learn more about the County. Representatives from the Fresno- Kings Counties Cattle Women, Cotton Wives and FCFB made presentations about agriculture to visiting students and teachers during the Fair Education Program on weekday mornings in the Junior Exhibits Building.

The Big Fresno Fair just completed its annual 13-day run, bringing in large crowds to the popular event. Checking out the new Catfish Falls display at the Fair was from left, Fresno Fair Manager John Alkire, FCFB Executive Director Ryan Jacobsen, Rep. George Radanovich, and Chairman of the Fair Board of Directors Debbie Jacobsen.

Fresno County Farm Bureau's name is proudly shown atop the Fair's newest permanent attraction, Catfish Falls, a catch-and-release fishing pond for children. FCFB is a co-sponsor of the new attraction, located north of the Livestock Barns.