The Big Fresno Fair is back. Supervisor Quintero is inducted into event’s Hall of Fame
.JPG "Fresno County Supervisor Sal Quintero was inducted into the Big Fresno Fair’s Hall of Fame during opening ceremonies Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021.")
Fresno County Supervisor Sal Quintero was inducted into the Big Fresno Fair’s Hall of Fame during opening ceremonies Wednesday.
The fair, which runs through Oct. 17, returned to an in-person event with rides, food, and fun after a year-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is the fourth largest county fair in the state.
“Well, it’s really an honor to be recognized, but also to be able to be with such a distinguished group, not only here at the at the Big Fresno Fair, but also representative of the community. It’s fantastic, thank you,” said Quintero, who has represented the area around the Big Fresno Fair since 1995, when he joined the Fresno City Council representing District 5 from 1995 to 2003 and 2011 to 2016. He has represented District 3 on the Board of Supervisors since 2017.
Quintero “is truly a champion of The Big Fresno Fair and our community,” said Lauri King, deputy manager for the fair, adding that he is “known fondly as ‘my pal Sal’ by many around here.”
King said Quintero has been passionate about his community throughout his life, calling him “a dedicated servant who always listens to the people of his district and goes out of his way to help others.”
At the fair, King said, Quintero has played an essential role in the growth and expansion of the Big Fresno Fair and Fresno County Historical museums by fundraising and locating unique artifacts and local treasures.
“With the community and fair’s interests at heart, he ensured that we were heavily involved in the Kings Canyon Corridor and Beautification Project and found himself providing assistance and property procurement, securing long-term parking agreements, inclusion in the long-term water conservation plan, along with helping us secure ownership of the Armory building,” King said. The list of ways Quintero has served, supported and fought for The Big Fresno Fair and the community could go on, she said.
“One can undeniably see his incredible impact on our Big Fresno Fair in our neighboring community. He is a person that truly cares about our fair,” said King, adding that Quintero has been given the nickname ‘the Godfather’ of their facility.
Besides Quintero, the Amendola Family, Debbie Jacobsen, and Mike and Larry King were also inducted into the 2021 Hall of Fame. The ceremony also included recognition of the 2020 Hall of Fame inductees, as well as the 2020 and 2021 Community Champion award winners.
“It’s not lost on any of you how significant today is, as we welcome our community back to an in-person fair. We are so thankful for the community support from our leaders and our community members,” said Stacy Rianda, deputy manager for the fair.
The fair will include live horse racing, live entertainment, live music, carnival rides, exhibits and new attractions such as Livin’ Local Marketplace and Food Truck Alley, both featuring local business. It will also feature the Pop! Culture Experience featuring eSports and video games, a BMX bike stunt show, audio tours in museums and the Mexican Heritage Patio with Eagle, providing more educational components on the rich history of the Mexican culture here in the county.
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Along with performances from Chris Pérez and Los Kumbia Kings on Oct. 9 and Ramón Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte on Oct. 10, the fair also will hold “Fiesta Day” beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17. It will feature El Dasa, Gabriela Sepulveda, Mariachi Oro de México and Teocali Ballet Folklórico, and will be hosted by MC and comedian Miguel Aguirre at the Paul Paul Theater.
“We truly hope that you are as excited as we are and that you will enjoy everything that this staff has worked to put together,” King said. “We hope that you enjoy the opportunity to come out together as a community, connect and create memories as safely as possible.”
Unlike other larger indoor events venues in the Valley, the fair will not be requiring proof of vaccine or a negative COVID test for entrance. Masks are required indoors for everyone regardless of vaccination status and are strongly recommended outdoors, especially in areas where social distancing cannot be accomplished.
Details: www.fresnofair.com or (559) 650-FAIR
