Greetings from the Fair President
It is a pleasure and honor to welcome you to the 83rd Annual Caruthers Fair, still the largest free-gate fair in the great state of California. As a first year president of the Fair Association, my learning curve is still pretty steep in regards to my duties and responsibilities. I am, however, comforted by the fact that I am surrounded by a group of very dedicated and hardworking board and community members who truly value the traditions our little fair offers. This year’s theme of “Blue Jeans and Country Dreams” is rather fitting from our rural perspective on life. I often joke that my idea of dressing up is to wear a new pair of jeans and a Hawaiian shirt! The theme also enforces the belief in our way of life; that country living has the qualities and ideals that we value.
We are unique among the many fine valley communities to have our own fair. It really is a focal point of our town, offering a time each year when Caruthers and the many surrounding communities gather to meet up with old friends and acquaintances and enjoy a relaxing day or evening strolling the grounds and viewing exhibits. It really is a throwback to a simpler time which we cannot help but miss. I have close friends and family from the central coast, who tell me that the Caruthers Fair is the best fair they come to, and is put on the way fairs are supposed to be done. That’s a wonderful complement considering they have the Mid State Fair in their own backyard!
One of the things that make us unique is that we are entirely self-funded, meaning we receive zero money from the State of California. This is something we are particularly proud of. Other fairs around the state are suffering because of state budget cuts but since we have never received state assistance, we continue on our way never missing a thing. This could not happen without the efforts of our Fair Queen Candidates, and their parents, families and friends who work so tirelessly selling raffle tickets. We are excited to have seven great queen candidates this year and wish each girl all the best in their individual efforts to become the 83rd Annual Caruthers Fair Queen. The Grand Prize this year will be a 2012 Ford Mustang, blue of course, in keeping with our theme!
The fair grounds are looking great with several small but important improvements in place. We will again have Johnston Amusements with their wonderful safety record, running the carnival. As always the food and desserts will be a main focus of the fair, so don’t plan on eating at home if you don’t have to! We have some wonderful entertainment lined up with the Grammy Award winning Isaac’s headlining the main state on Saturday evening. It will be a busy four days for the 4H and FFA as they prepare, exhibit and sell their animals, so make a point of stopping by the livestock pavilion on your visit to the fair. Last, and most importantly, you can be sure that the fair will be a safe experience for your entire family. Check out our website at www.caruthersfair.com or call 559-864-3768 if you need additional information. We’ll see you at the fair!
CDFA President, Gary Wenter
