CEO announces retirement after long run with Big Fresno Fair. Who’ll replace her?

Christina Estrada, CEO of the Big Fresno Fair, announced her retirement on Wednesday in a news release.

Board president Gary Singh Chahil and vice president Frank Flores will serve as interim co-CEOs. The board has yet to name Estrada’s permanent successor.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we sincerely thank Christina for her leadership and the lasting contributions she has made to The Big Fresno Fair,” Chahil said in a statement.

“Christina’s leadership, heart and dedication to this Fair have been instrumental in its continued success,” Flores said.

Estrada has worked for the Fair since 1990 and spent three of those years as CEO. For over 20 years, she was also the fair’s official Spanish-language spokesperson.

The Big Fresno Fair was founded in 1884 and is the fifth-largest fair in California.

The 2026 Fair will take place Oct. 7 -18.

Special events include an Ashanti performance and a comedy set by Gabriel Iglesias. Tickets are available online. In-person box office purchases will open Aug. 17.