Heritage Foundation

History and Purpose

In 1935 the first Fair was held at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Since then, not only has the Fair continued annually, but the Monterey County Fair & Event Center has become the site for an eclectic mix of public and private events including music festivals, community dinners, trade shows, and weddings. When the State of California eliminated funding for its fairgrounds in 2011, the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation was created to assist in supporting the Fair & Event Center.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation is to support the operations of the Monterey County Fair & Event Center and to fund community agriculture awareness activities, youth scholarships, and capital improvements to Monterey County Fair & Event Center’s facilities and grounds.

Vision Statement

The vision of the Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation is to ensure the future of the Monterey County Fair & Event Center as a vibrant and diverse community venue.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to help us in our efforts to ensure the future of the Monterey County Fair & Event Center:

• Purchase a Heritage Foundation Annual Membership – click here
• Donate to and participate in the live and silent auction during the Fair Kick Off BBQ
• Contribute to the Heritage Animal Auction
• Contact us with feedback to help us improve and expand fundraising opportunities
• Encourage your friends and family to attend any and all events at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center – Event Calendar »

Heritage Foundation Board of Directors

Liz Silva, President
Andy Clarke
Wes Chan
Jessica Pedevilla
Gary Robinson

Please come and share your ideas at our monthly board meetings. Heritage Foundation meetings are typically held the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5pm in the Monterey County Fair & Event Center Boardroom.

If you would like to attend a meeting, please contact the Monterey County Fair office at least one week in advance of the meeting so that we can include you on the agenda.

For more information about Heritage events, membership, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
the Fair office
(831) 372-5863

Become a 2018 Heritage Foundation member now and save up to $100 on 2018 Monterey County Fair tickets and passes. Select the membership package that is right for you. Choose from among a Family, Couple, or Single Membership.

It’s easy and you don’t have to have a Paypal account to join. Major Credit Cards accepted.

The Monterey County Fair Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s Scholarship recipient of $2,500 and exhibitor of the 2019 Heritage Hog, Ivan Trujillo from Greenfield High School FFA. Ivan was raised in the Salinas Valley and will be a senior this coming school year at Greenfield High.

Ivan dreams to be the “first generation” in his family to attend college after high school, and has a career goal of becoming an Agricultural Educator. He is hopeful that he will inspire others in his community to strive to fulfill their dreams, just as he has. Some of you may recognize his name, as he was the recipient of the 2019 Salinas Valley Fair’s Heritage Scholarship.

Scholarship Award Winner posted soon.