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Santa Cruz County Fair


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2601 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076

(831) 724-5671

The Santa Cruz County Fair is an annual event that showcases the county’s agricultural riches and offers livestock shows, horticulture and craft exhibits, food, carnival rides, and entertainment.

The fairground is also available for rentals during the rest of the year. The fair is overseen by the Fair Board directors. Because the fairgrounds are owned by the state, the directors are appointed by the governor.

Related News

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

09/06/2024
Image for display with article titled Santa Cruz County Fair Opens September 11

Last-minute touches are being completed to make way for the Santa Cruz County Fair.
From food stands and floriculture to arts and collectibles, the entire fairgrounds is being charged up for their five-day run.

Press Banner logo From Press Banner...

09/06/2024
Image for display with article titled Paddy Smith Park Blooms With New Garden at Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds

The beautiful Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds are growing even more beautiful thanks to a colorful landscaping project at Paddy Smith Park.

Good Times logo From Good Times...

09/12/2023
Image for display with article titled A New Leader, A Traditional Fair

New CEO Zeke Frazier talks about what's in store for the Santa Cruz County Fair.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

09/07/2023
Image for display with article titled Santa Cruz County Fair Officials, Volunteers Focus on Future

Zeke Fraser has a lot on his desk, both figuratively and literally, but the new fairgrounds CEO took time to step away from his paperwork-lined desk for a quick chat.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

05/25/2023
Image for display with article titled Four Candidates Apply for Santa Cruz County Fair CEO Position

The Santa Cruz County Fair Board reported that the four candidates for CEO—who will replace former fairgrounds manager Dave Kegebein—have all gone through an initial interview process.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

03/09/2023
Image for display with article titled Group Seeks Removal of Santa Cruz County Fair Board President

In the latest chapter in the drawn-out saga, a local group has created an online petition to remove Board President Don Dietrich, saying he puts “mid-level Sacramento bureaucrats” over the local community.

Good Times logo From Good Times...

10/25/2022
Image for display with article titled County Fair Board Members Fired

The state ousts two additional board members following CEO Dave Kegebein’s termination

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

10/25/2022
Image for display with article titled Fair Board Appoints Dietrich as Interim CEO

In a meeting packed with nearly 100 people, the newly transformed Santa Cruz County Fair Board appointed Don Dietrich as interim Fair CEO, replacing fired former CEO Dave Kegebein.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

10/13/2022
Image for display with article titled Temporary CEO Leading Fairgrounds

Santa Cruz County Fair Board President Don Dietrich has taken over as CEO in the wake of the Oct. 4 dismissal of Dave Kegebein, and says he’ll stay at the helm as the board recruits a replacement.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

10/04/2022
Image for display with article titled Santa Cruz County Fair Board Fires Dave Kegebein

In a 7-2 vote, the Santa Cruz County Fair Board terminated Fairgrounds Manager Dave Kegebein’s employment, a decision that generated outcry from members of the public.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

07/20/2022
Image for display with article titled County Fair Board Plans to Remove Aging Barns

When attendees file into the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in September for the county fair, they can expect the east end of the grounds to look much different than years prior.

The Pajaronian logo From The Pajaronian...

02/01/2022
Image for display with article titled County Fair begins search for 2022 theme

WATSONVILLE—The Santa Cruz County Fair is on the search for a theme for the 2022 edition of the Fair. Manager Dave Kegebein recently announced the return of the annual contest. Kegebein said anyone can submit theme ideas that should reflect the spirit of the County Fair in as few words as possible. “The Fair belongs [...]

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