MEDIA CENTER

10/20/22 | Under New CEO, 2022 Big Fresno Fair Celebrates Successful Completion of a Safe, Fun & Memorable Run
The Big Fresno Fair’s Board of Directors, management and staff are pleased to announce the successful completion of the 2022 Big Fresno Fair, which saw more families come out, stay longer and visit more than once to enjoy all that the annual tradition had to offer. In its post-pandemic run, 559,394 smiling fairgoers walked through the Fair gates over 12 days to enjoy the 2022 Big Fresno Fair, with its new attractions, competitive exhibits, free entertainment, live horse racing, carnival rides, Table Mountain Rancheria Park, Fair food, concerts and educational programs. Read More

7/25/22 | Four More Shows Announced For The 2022 Big Fresno Fair Table Mountain Concert Series Line-up
Exclusive Big Fair Fan Club Pre-sale starts August 2
The Big Fresno Fair is excited to announce four new shows to join a stellar line-up of artists as part of the Table Mountain Concert Series in the Paul Paul Theater presented by Modelo Especial and Toyota. These new concerts are: Queen Nation; “Cruising to the Souldies” Hosted by Danny Trejo featuring Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Cota and Danny’s Angels; The Pretty Reckless; and Quebradita Time featuring Banda Machos, Mi Banda el Mexicano de Casimiro, Banda Maguey and Banda Zeta. Read More

7/12/22 | The Big Fresno Fair Board Selects Lauri King as New CEO to Lead California's Fourth-Largest Fair into the Future
The Big Fresno Fair (Fair) Board of Directors has unanimously promoted 22-year industry executive Lauri King to be the Fair's next and first-ever woman CEO, effective July 1, 2022. The announcement follows a national search in collaboration with the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Fairs and Expositions Branch to name a successor to John C. Alkire, who retired as CEO in September 2020. Read More

5/31/22 | The Big Fresno Fair Board Announces Formal CEO Search For Next Leader of the Fourth Largest Fair in the State of California
The Big Fresno Fair (Fair) Board of Directors announced its formal search for the next CEO to lead year-round operations for the fourth largest fair in the State of California. Read More

5/4/22 | The Big Fresno Fair Announces First Round of Entertainment For Its 2022 Table Mountain Concert Series Line-up
Tickets will go on sale May 17, as part of exclusive Big Fair Fan Club Pre-sale
The Big Fresno Fair is excited to announce the first seven shows as part of its 2022 Table Mountain Concert Series in the Paul Paul Theater presented by Modelo and Toyota – Dwight Yoakam; Ice Cube; KMJ’s 100th Anniversary Celebration featuring Tower of Power and special guest Paul Rodriguez; Midland; Dana Carvey; Phil Wickham; and Ladies Night Out Featuring Ashanti and Baby Bash. Read More

5/2/22 | Italian Culture Celebrated at Event Marking Completion of Phase I of the Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit in the Fresno County Historical Museum
Exhibit Now Open to the Public; Involvement in Exhibit's Expansion Encouraged
More than 150 people attended a ribbon cutting celebration on April 30, commemorating the completion of Phase I of the Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit in the Fresno County Historical Museum at the Fresno Fairgrounds. Made possible through grants from the Isnardi Foundation and E&J Gallo Winery, along with community donations – the Italian Heritage Museum Exhibit is already revered as one of the most comprehensive exhibits in the Western United States dedicated to the Italian culture and according to Nat DiBuduo, Chairman of the committee behind this exhibit, plans are already underway for continued expansion. Read More

4/13/22 | Big Fresno Fair Announces Winners of 7th San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition
An incredible 69 entries were received by new and returning olive oil producers throughout California
After an extensive judging of quality California-produced olive oils, The Big Fresno Fair is excited to reveal the winners of the 7th Annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition (SJVOOC). This competition, open to all olive oil producers in California with products made from their 2021 olive harvest, received a total of 69 entries from 25 olive oil producers from throughout the State. Read More

4/8/22 | Big Fresno Fair Returns for 12 Days of Fair Fun This October; Discounted Tickets Go On Sale April 12
Exclusive online-only pre-sale is available to Big Fair Fan Club members
The Big Fresno Fair will be back this October for its 12-day event (October 5 – 16) filled with carnival rides, live horse racing, concerts, competitive exhibits, Fair food and more! Its Big Fair Fan (BFF) Club members can save starting next week with discounted admission; season passes and unlimited carnival ride wristbands. This exclusive BFF Club pre-sale runs from April 12 at 10 a.m. until April 29 at 11:59 p.m. Read More

3/8/22 | The Big Fresno Fair Records Fifth Merrill Award - The Top Honor in the Fair Industry - For It's Joint Health & Safety Public Outreach Program With The Fresno County Department of Public Health
The smiles on The Big Fresno Fair’s Management team’s faces could not be any bigger as they accepted the Fair’s record-breaking fifth Merrill Award – the “Academy Award or the Oscar” of the fair industry; the highest honor given – at the Western Fairs Association's (WFA) 99th Convention & Trade Show in Reno, Nevada where fair CEOs, directors, staff, delegates and fair-related professionals from roughly 125 fairs throughout the Western United States attended to celebrate the greatest accomplishments of 2021. Read More

2/14/22 | Big Fresno Fair's Seventh Annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition is Now Underway
All California olive oil producers are eligible to participate; deadline is March 25, 2022
Entries are now being accepted for the 7th annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition (SJVOOC); Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flavored Olive Oil entries from commercial producers in the State of California are eligible and olive oil must be made from producers' most recent olive harvest. Deadline for entries is March 25, 2022. Read More

2/10/22 | The Big Fresno Fair Announces 2022 Board Officer Positions
The Big Fresno Fair announces the new 2022 Board officer positions for the 21st District Agricultural Association, which were voted on at the January 25th Board meeting: Chuck Riojas, Board President; Terry Gonsalves, Vice President; and Gary Chahil, Secretary/Treasurer.
Read More

11/23/21 | The Big Fresno Fair's Holiday Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru Light Show Returns This Holiday Season With Two Walk Nights Added
Will feature Christmas music, food trucks, visits from Santa and a Winter Wonderland of 450 holiday light displays
The Fresno Fairgrounds will transform into a magical Winter Wonderland once again for the return of The Big Fresno Fair's Holiday Fantasy of Lights Show! Attendees will drive through the Fairgrounds and enjoy more than 450 holiday lights displays as they listen to Christmas music, enjoy treats from local food trucks and more.
Read More

10/20/21 | 2021 Big Fresno Fair Successfully Returned to an In-Person Event Complete With Favorite Fair Traditions, New Attractions and Plenty of Smiles and Memories
Extensive collaboration with health and safety partners made it the safest event possible
The Big Fresno Fair's Board of Directors, Management and staff are elated to announce the successful completion of the 2021 Big Fresno Fair, which ran October 6 - 17, and marked its return to an in-person event after pivoting in 2020 to a drive-thru Fair.
Read More

10/19/21 | The Big Fresno Fair to Donate Fish From Catfish Falls to the Poverello House Tomorrow (10/2) at 9 a.m.
Big Fresno Fair Officials to Also Release End of Fair Stats, Including Overall Attendance
Once again The Big Fresno Fair will donate all of the fish from Catfish Falls and the
“Cloud Tank” in the Meyers Water & Wildlife Tree, two attractions in the Table Mountain
Rancheria Park, to the Poverello House to help feed those in need in our community.Read More

10/5/21 | The Big Fresno Fair Kicks Off With Opening Ceremonies Wednesday, October 6 at 3 p.m.
On behalf of The Big Fresno Fair Board of Directors, Fair Management and Staff, we invite
you to join us tomorrow at this year’s Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, October 6 to
officially kick-off the 2021 Big Fresno Fair as it returns to an in-person event!Read More

9/14/21 | 11th Annual "Pint for a Pass" Blood Drive Launches Wednesday, September 15 ANNUAL “PINT
The Big Fresno Fair and the Central California Blood Center will hold their special
launch event on Wednesday, September 15, to officially kick off the 11th Annual “Pint
for a Pass” Blood Drive with new dates that will run through October 16.Read More

8/27/21 | Four More Shows Announced for the 2021 Big Fresno Fair Table Mountain Concert Series
Exclusive Big Fair Fan Club Pre-sale starts September 1
The Big Fresno Fair is excited to announce four new shows that join a stellar line-up of artists as part of the Table Mountain Concert Series in the Paul Paul Theater presented by Coors Light and Toyota. These new concerts are: Ladies Night Out: Featuring Bell Biv Devoe, Jon B and Mýa; Metal Featuring Chris Pérez and Kumbia Kings; Ramón Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte; and Smokey Robinson. Read More

8/19/21 | Big Fresno Fair 10th Annual Job Fair on August 26
Nearly 400 positions ready to be filled for largest annual event in the Central Valley
The Big Fresno Fair will hold its 10th Annual Job Fair on Thursday, August 26, 2021.
Department Supervisors will be accepting applications to fill nearly 400 positions for
the 2021 Big Fresno Fair, which returns to its traditional in-person event with concerts,
carnival rides, horse racing, exhibits and more.Read More

8/3/21 | First Five Concerts Announced for 2021 Big Fresno Fair Table Mountain Concert Series Line-Up
Tickets will be available as part of Big Fair Fan Club Pre-sale beginning August 10
The Big Fresno Fair is excited to announce the following entertainers as part of the 2021 Table Mountain Concert Series in the Paul Paul Theater presented by Coors Light and Toyota – Anthrax, Young the Giant, Chris Tomlin, Midland, Nelly and Blanco Brown. Read More

6/17/21 | Big Fresno Fair Announces Winners of 6th Annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition
After extensive judging of submitted California-produced olive oils, The Big Fresno Fair is excited to reveal the winners of the popular San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition (SJVOOC), which returned after being canceled in 2020 amid the statewide shelter-in-place order due to COVID-19, which made judging impossible. The SJVOOC, which is open to all olive oil producers in California with products made from their 2020 olive harvest, received a total of 55 entries from 17 different olive oil producers from throughout the State. Read More

3/30/21 | Big Fresno Fair's Popular San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition Returns In 2021
Entries are now being accepted for the 6th annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition (SJVOOC); Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flavored Olive Oil entries from commercial producers in the State of California are eligible and olive oil must be made from producers' most recent harvest. Read More

3/16/21 | The Big Fresno Fair Announces Spring Edition of Its Successful Drive-Thru Eats Event
The Big Fresno Fair is bringing the Valley’s favorite Fair foods to the community early this year with its new Drive-Thru Eats: Spring Edition – a 5-day food series featuring 15 Fair food and vendor booths for the community to enjoy! Read More

2/2/21 | The Big Fresno Fair Announces New Board Members and 2021 Officer Positions
The Big Fresno Fair proudly welcomes new Board Members, Gary Chahil, Frank Flores, Terry Gonsalves and Annalisa Perea to the 21st District Agricultural Association Board of Directors. These appointments were made on September 30, 2020 by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The Fair also announces the new officer positions for 2021: Jerry Pacheco, Board President; Charles Riojas, Vice President; and Terry Gonsalves, Secretary/Treasurer. Read More

10/21/20 | The Big Fresno Fair Operational Update
The Big Fresno Fair was thrilled with the results from Drive-Thru Eats and the incredible support from the community. During the 10-day food and entertainment event nearly 26,000 cars passed through the Fairgrounds to enjoy this adapted version of The Big Fresno Fair, a 137-year Valley tradition. Read More

9/16/20 | The Big Fresno Fair Announces Line-Up for Drive-Thru Eats, A 10-Day Series of Fair Food and Entertainment
The Big Fresno Fair is bringing the Valley a bit of this longstanding tradition in a new, safe way with "Drive-Thru Eats" - a 10-day food series featuring 18 Fair food booths, vendor booths, popular Fair entertainers and music, plus virtual features! In alignment, the Fair partnered with the Fresno County Department of Public Health to bring attendees vital health information and services. Read More

8/28/20 | The Big Fresno Fair Announces Management Restructure to Achieve Long Term Success Through Elevated Fundraising
Visionary CEO John Alkire Transitions to Friends of the Big Fresno Fair as CEO of the
Nonprofit Foundation; Seasoned Deputy Managers Stacy Rianda and Lauri King to Remain at the Helm Overseeing and Leading Overall Big Fresno Fair Operations Read More

7/28/20 | Big Fresno Fair Reimagined as a Series of Drive-Thru & Virtual Fair Experiences. Fair continues to work with the Fresno County Department of Public Health on operational plans.
The Big Fresno Fair reinvents itself, adapting the traditional Fair into a series of drive-thru and virtual experiences in light of current state of COVID-19 in Fresno County. Read More

7/13/20 | The Table Mountain Concert Series Will Not Be Part of This Year's Modified Big Fresno Fair Event. The Fair continues collaboration with the Health Department to determine what elements of this tradition can still be brought to the community. Read More

3/5/20 | Big Fresno Fair Announces First Four Entertainers; Pre-Sale Details Press Release
Tickets will be available as part of Big Fair Fan Club Pre-sale beginning March 19 Read More

2/19/20 | The Big Fresno Fair Announces 2020 Board Officer Positions
Longtime Board Member, Debbie Jacobsen, Transitions to the Friends of The Big Fresno Fair Read More

1/30/20 | The Big Fresno Fair Takes Home 21 Awards At This Year's Western Fairs Association's Annual Convention
The Big Fresno Fair took home 21 awards at the Western Fairs Association's (WFA) 97th Annual Convention & Trade Show held in Reno, Nevada January 19-22, 2020 Read More

1/28/20 | Big Fresno Fair's Sixth Annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition Is Now Underway.
All California olive oil producers eligible to participate; deadline is March 27, 2020 Read More

12/12/19 | Big Fresno Fair Presents Donation Check to Valley Children's
New $4 "Fill the Need" generates $37,496 for Valley Children's; 2020 Effort Launches Read More

10/17/19 | 2019 Big Fresno Fair Delivers Safest Fair Yet During It's 13-Day Run
Abundant new attractions and events, big savings, great weather and diverse entertainment credited for attendance increase Read More

10/15/19 | Fun Facts From The 2019 Big Fresno Fair
The gates have closed on another Big Fresno Fair, the largest annual event in the Central Valley! Read More

9/17/19 | The Big Fresno Fair Unveils Life-Size Statue Of Jose Ramirez And Receives Donation Of His World Title Belt To Add To The Champ’s Fresno County Historical Museum Exhibit. Read More

7/1/19 | The Big Fresno Fair Announced New 'Years of Service Program' For Staff and Volunteers. The Big Fresno Fair's Years of Service Program was created to give recognition to the outstanding staff and volunteers for their continuous service. Read More

5/23/19 | The Big Fresno Fair and Valley Children’s announced an unprecedented partnership on the new “Fill the Need” Day to support Valley Children’s mission to increase access for lifesaving healthcare for the 1.3 million kids living in the region. Read More

5/15/19 | Big Fresno Fair is Accepting Applications for Community Performers Until June 14
The Big Fresno Fair is accepting applications from community performers to participate in the 2019 Big Fresno Fair, which runs October 2 – 14. Deadline to complete an application is Friday, June 14. Read More

4/10/19 | Big Fresno Fair Announces Winners of 5th Annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition
After an extensive judging of quality California-produced olive oils, The Big Fresno Fair is excited to reveal the winners of the 5th Annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition (SJVOOC). This competition, open to all olive oil producers in California with products made from their 2018 olive harvest, received a total of 38 entries from 10 olive oil producers from throughout the State. Read More

3/7/19 | Ripley's "Believe It Or Not" Fall 2019 Book to Feature The Big Fresno Fair's Tractor Tree
At the 2018 Big Fresno Fair, the uniquely odd and mesmerizing Tractor Tree was unveiled as a tribute to Fresno County and the broader San Joaquin Valley’s rich agricultural heritage. Inspired by the Smithsonian declaring 2018 the “Year of the Tractor,” Big Fresno Fair CEO came up with the idea to construct a 32 foot tall tree comprised of nearly 1,200 tractor parts – some more than 100 years old. At completion, the structure weighed a total of 32.8 tons! Sound unbelievable? That’s exactly what executives at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! thought and selected to feature the Tractor Tree in their Fall 2019 book. Read More

2/7/19 | 5th Annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition Now Accepting Applications
Entries are now being accepted for the fifth annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition (SJVOOC); Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flavored Olive Oil entries from producers in the State of California are eligible and olive oil must be made from producers’ most recent olive harvest . This year’s awards include the new “Best of the Valley” award category that recognizes the olive oil with the highest score from a ranch or office located in the San Joaquin Valley. Deadline for entries is March 22, 2019. Read More

1/29/19 | Fair Takes Home 18 Awards at Western Fairs Association's Annual Convention
The Big Fresno Fair took home 18 awards at the Western Fairs Association’s (WFA) 96th Annual Convention & Trade Show held in Reno, Nevada from January 20-23, 2019, where more than 1,200 fair CEOs, directors, staff and fair-related professionals from roughly 125 fairs throughout the Western United States attended to celebrate the greatest accomplishments of 2018. These Achievement Awards recognize the best practices by fairs in a variety of categories from digital marketing to non-profit partnerships. This year, some of The Big Fresno Fair’s first place finishes included the newly remodeled Ag Ventureland, 2018 Fair theme and Fall Wine Festival logos and the history of boxing exhibit in the Fresno County Historical Museum. Read More

1/23/19 | Fair Takes Home Five Awards at International Association of Fairs & Expositions Annual Network Awards
The Big Fresno Fair took home five awards at the International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) 128th Convention & Trade Show held November 25 - 28 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Fairs and expositions from throughout the world attended to celebrate the greatest accomplishments of 2018, connect with one another and discuss industry topics. The IAFE promotes the development and improvement of agricultural fairs, shows and expositions. Its awards program recognizes the best practices and innovation across a variety of categories. Read More

1/16/19 | Fair Announces The Appointment of Three New Board Members
The Big Fresno Fair proudly welcomes newly appointed Board members, Gabriel Hernandez, Charles Riojas and Lawrence Salinas to the 21st District Agricultural Association Board of Directors. These appointments were made on December 21, 2018 by former California Governor Jerry Brown. Read More

This policy is approved by our Fair Management, who delegate the responsibility of issuing media credentials to The Big Fresno Fair Communications Department. Working media is identified below as those media personnel who have obtained approved Big Fresno Fair media credentials.

This Policy Is Necessary In Order To:

1. Accommodate working media quickly and efficiently.
2. To enable the media to enter the Fairgrounds quickly.
3. Protect Fairgoers from being approached by representatives working on commercial projects or unauthorized projects who may present themselves as journalists to the public.
4. Assist Fair personnel in quickly identifying reporters cleared for access and media privileges.
5. Screen-out non-affiliated persons seeking media privileges.

How To Request Media Credentials

1. Email credential request including name, media organization and title to the Communications Department at fairpr@fresnofair.com. NOTE: Media organization logos need to be provided as they will be used on the Media Credentials. ALL REQUESTS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2022.
2. The email must indicate the names and titles of staff planning to cover the event. NOTE: Media credentials are for working media only, please.
3. Freelance reporters and photographers will not be issued media credentials unless they submit proof of employment/contract with a news organization. This could include a letter from a news director, editor or similar authority. No business cards or bylined articles will be accepted. The letter must be on original media organization letterhead and include a phone number of proper contact at the news organization if further information and clarification is needed.
4. Bloggers and other online reporters will not be issued a press pass unless they can provide documentation of substantial web traffic/viewership (Google Analytics Reports or other web traffic reporting tool) and their blog/online news source must be at least one year old. Each media credential request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and it is at the discretion of Fair Management to grant the media credentials.
5. Media passes are not available to high school and college journalism or photography classes. Passes are given to college newspaper staffs and are available to high school newspapers staff’s on a case-by-case basis. An application must be submitted by the newspaper faculty advisor to be considered.

How To Obtain Media Credentials

All persons representing media organizations that request official media credentials and privileges during The Big Fresno Fair and other events sponsored by the 21st District Agricultural Association will be issued an official media credential upon employment verification.

• As a reminder, media representatives will need to carry proof of employment at news outlet identified on their Fair media credential (i.e. employee badge/station badge)

NOTE: Media credentials used for purposes other than to conduct work on behalf of your media organization while at the Fairgrounds may be revoked. This includes all unauthorized persons who are in possession of or misuse media credentials.

All qualified media interviews and associated backstage passes must be arranged direct through the artist’s management in advance of performance date. The Big Fresno Fair’s Communications Department staff can provide contact information for most artists’ management upon request. Email your requests to fairpr@fresnofair.com.

All Big Fresno Fair contracted artists reserve the right to approve or disapprove pre-arranged media interviews onsite the day of the show through their Tour Management. To expedite the onsite interview process, please present written artist authorization for interviews the day of the show including name and phone number of who approved the authorization.

For additional onsite assistance from The Big Fresno Fair Communications Department, please email Danielle Griffin at danielle@cohencommunications.com in advance of show date confirming approved artist interviews, time and proof of artist management authorization.

NOTE: Special sponsorship and promotional arrangements made through The Big Fresno Fair Sponsorship Department, Record Label Sponsorship, and direct pre-arranged station promotion with artist and/or fan club are to be coordinated directly with those entities. It is not the responsibility of the Fair’s Communications Department to coordinate and/or validate those arrangements.

This policy is approved by our Fair Management, who determine the media parking policy as communicated by The Big Fresno Fair Communications Department. Working media is identified below as those media personnel who have obtained approved Big Fresno Fair media credentials.

This Policy Is Necessary In Order To:

1. Accommodate working media quickly and efficiently.
   
2. Protect parking space availability for all media professionals working on-site during the Fair.
   
3. Assist Fair personnel in identifying the location of reporters for easy access transport on the Fairgrounds.
   

2022 Media Parking Policy:

REMINDER: Working Media Parking is on Butler Avenue where the street is closed off. View Media Parking Map

Butler Avenue will be blocked off in this area with barricades to ensure the availability of media parking. Signage will label this area as Media Parking Only. Media must have a Butler Avenue Media Parking pass to enter.

Who Can Access The Media Parking?

• ALL working media including print and broadcast.
• Colored parking passes will be issued for this parking area; media MUST show their colored parking pass to have access into this parking area. NOTE: Media credentials or marked vehicles will not suffice; you must have a designated parking pass for this lot.
• This area is for working media only; persons who use this area for personal use may have their privileges of access to this media parking area revoked.

Who Can Access Gate 2 Parking?

• ALL live trucks have access to the Gate 2 entrance, but ONLY live trucks.All other vehicles transporting reporters or traveling cameras must park on Butler Avenue or other assigned parking lots.

Friends of The Big Fresno Fair, Chance Avenue & Infield Parking Lots:

• Due to set locations and proximity to other parking lots, individual stations will be allotted a certain amount of spaces for its nearest lot. These parking spaces will require a colored parking pass for entry. NOTE: Media credentials will not get you into these lots.
• Each station will only receive a designated amount of colored parking passes and will not be admitted into any parking lot without one.
• Due to limited space it is necessary that the media use the parking passes efficiently by trading to the next crew coming to the Fairgrounds.

NOTE: Proper media credentials are required for all passengers in each vehicle. Contact the Communications Department at (559) 650-3229 or Danielle Griffin directly at (559) 994-3133 prior to your arrival and a representative will meet you at Gate 2 or another entrance to escort you on grounds.