Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 04/14/2011 02:16 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 04/14/2011 02:18 PM
Expires: 01/01/2016 12:00 AM
:
The Friends of the Fair Help To Make the Calaveras County Fair The Best It Can Be!~by Laurie Giannini
Frogtown, USA....“If not us, who” If not now, when”? President Ronald Reagan. I am reminded of this quote when I think of “Friends of the Calaveras County Fair”. In the fall of 2008 a group of Calaveras County residents decided to take action and form a foundation whose sole purpose was to enhance, support and create additional community involvement and participation while maintaining the amazing history the Fair enjoys. The Friends of the Calaveras County Fair, a non-profit organization was formed. .....
Love it!
The group spear headed by Angels Camp resident, Firman Brown, became an action based group that has completed two major projects in a short period of time. In addition they have restored a Calaveras County tradition, the Whiskerino Dinner and Dance.
The main entrance to the Fairgrounds is located across from Glory Hole Sports on Highway 49. However the entrance was often missed because there wasn’t any prominent signage. The “Friends” took action, and through community donations, erected a beautiful 8’ x 20”sign. Now guests have a much easier time finding the entrance to the Fairgrounds. This same yea, they started a community raffle with a grand prize of $10,000. Through the raffle, they were able to raise funds for future projects.
In 2010 the Friends wanted to make improvements to the Cattlemen’s Park. At the time, no one could have guessed how that idea would take shape. In 31 days, an old storage building and adjacent storage area was transformed into a beautiful rustic club house with a top quality stage and entertainment area. This facility now dubbed as the “Ranch House” is not only an asset to the annual Fair, but is also an area that can be rented during year providing an additional revenue stream for the Fair. In addition to the Ranch House, the group resurrected the Whiskerino Dinner Dance a tradition dating back to the 1940’s. This community get together, featuring a whisker and costume contest, traditionally was the kick off to the Fair season it was a month long celebration leading up to the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee. Last year, 200 people attended the event and this year the group is planning for 500 attendees. The event will be held Saturday April 30 2011.
In addition to major capital improvements, the Friends have been responsible for stage and arena upgrades. When I am asked to describe the Friends of the Fair, I call them a “well-oiled machine”, working together with Staff and Board to make the Calaveras County Fair the best it can be.
|
