Manager’s Message

There is song that is titled "Back in the Saddle Again" and that is how I feel as we start to implement the plans for the 2008 Santa Cruz County Fair. It has been 11 years since I retired and in those years I have concentrated on the development of the Agricultural History Project and have only played a role in being a supporter of the Fair and its staff.

As the 2008 Fair unfolds, I am exited to see all plans that are being made by the many committees that make up the various departments of the Fair. I have had the privilege of attending many of the meetings and getting to know a number of the volunteer members who give of their time every year to make the Santa Cruz County Fair one of the last remaining true country fairs around.

A concern of mine for a long has been that each year in this country fewer and fewer people are involved in the production of food and fiber. When I was growing up in the 1940’s over 50% of our population was directly involved in food and fiber production; today less than two percent of the population is involved in growing crops that feed and help clothe us.

When Fairs were first formed in the 1800’s and up to about 1940’s and 50’s, they were designed to help farmers learn new techniques about farming. Fairs showcased the new tools that were available to make farming easier and more productive so farmers could better feed the increasing population of this country.

Today Fairs have a reverse role to play -- they show people that live in our communities how their food is grown.  To do this, each of the departments of the fair have demonstrations on many aspects of food and fiber production; how food and fiber is grown, processed, and used for us to enjoy on a daily basis.

New for this year in the Livestock Department is a nursery where we are hoping that baby pigs and other animal will be born. A special area is being set with bleacher seats so people can watch nature perform at its finest.

On Sunday Night you’ll see a spectacular event in the Horse Arena.  There will be a Charros Horse Show presented by the Asociacion de Charros, Los Amigos.  Over 50 horses and riders will perform and I hope you’ll enjoy this new addition to our Fair.

This year the Board of Directors is offering many opportunities for you to come to the Fair. Presale admission and carnival tickets are available at many locations in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties and for the first time, group discount tickets are available at a greatly reduced price.

I’d like to personally thank the Board of Directors for allowing me this opportunity to manage the 2008 Fair and invite you and all your friends and family to this year’s Fair.  Come help me celebrate my 45th year of being part of the Greatest Fair of all “The Santa Cruz County Fair”.

John Kegebein