Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: South Valley getting ready for 80th Santa Clara County Fair fun for summer

Gilroy students in 4-H are now getting ready for the annual ag event

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By Robert Airoldi

The Santa Clara County Fair is getting ready to celebrate its 80th anniversary with the theme “Celebrating 80 years of Innovation: From the Fields to the Future.” The fair will take place from July 25 to 28 and Aug. 1 to 4.

Gilroy students in 4-H and the Future Farmers of America programs are now getting ready with their farm animals and other projects to show them off at the beloved agricultural gala.

The fair promises to be unforgettable, with exciting activities for everyone. On Thursday, July 25, a special ribbon-cutting ceremony will open the fair, followed by an honor for military veterans. Children aged 12 and younger will receive free admission on this day. On Saturday, July 27, the fairgrounds will host the Fair Parade.

This year’s fair will feature many old favorites, such as the pig races, horse exhibit, dog show, rabbit and goat show, a petting zoo, and the popular livestock auction in the Expo Hall. In addition, the fair will introduce new attractions that will pique the interest of children, teens, and adults, including the robotics exhibition and the Hop ‘N’ Vine Garden, featuring local wineries and breweries.

There will be free entertainment, including music from multiple genres and eras, children’s magic acts, pig races, BMX stunt shows, a mini-circus, and a carnival. Bungee jumps and carnival rides are available for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

No fair would be complete without delicious food, and there will be plenty of options available. You can indulge in traditional favorites such as Angelo’s Pepper Steak and corn dogs or try new international dishes. There will also be a wine and beer garden and a tequila saloon for those looking to relax.

In addition to the fun and excitement, you can learn something new. There will be hands-on exhibits from Tech Interactive, opportunities to explore local flora and fauna, and home art displays to inspire your creativity.

Tickets are now on sale at www.thefair.org. Free tickets are available on designated days for children 12 and younger, seniors 62 and older, veterans, first responders, and those with special needs. Additionally, anyone who enters the poster contest will receive two complimentary tickets, and anyone who enters to join the parade will get a free ticket.

Sounds like a wonderful farm fun time. Hope to see you there!

Congratulations to the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. It was named an HR Champion by the California Chamber of Commerce, one of nine local chambers of commerce to be so honored.

This award was created in 2023 to recognize chambers who excelled in helping their members comply with California employment laws. Representatives of the HR Champion chambers were honored May 8 during the CalChamber Capitol Summit in Sacramento.

“California labor law requirements can be a puzzle for businesses of all sizes, especially smaller operations,” said Nick Ortiz, CalChamber vice president of local chamber relations. “We are pleased to recognize these HR Champion chambers for keeping their members updated on state labor law.”

The eight other 2024 recipients of the HR Champion Award are from Fresno, Imperial Valley Regional, Oakdale, Paso Robles, Porterville, Rohnert Park, Santa Fe Springs and the Whittier Area.

Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP), a community-based health plan in Santa Clara County dedicated to creating opportunities for better health and wellness for all, has committed $100,000 to Gavilan College to support students pursuing careers in healthcare, as part of their regional $500,000 investment during the next five years to support the future health care workforce in Santa Clara County.

Specifically, SCFHP will support scholarships for SCFHP Medi-Cal members, who are students enrolled in programs, degrees, and certificates related to healthcare that are hands-on and not administrative. Approved areas of study include kinesiology, medical assisting, EMT, dental assisting, CNA, community health worker, nursing, and public health.

Students can receive up to $5,000 annually for full-time enrollment or up to $2,500 annually for part-time enrollment. The number of scholarships given out annually will be determined by how many successful full-time and part-time students are in the applicant pool, up to $20,000 per year. Students may apply and receive the SCFHP scholarship two years in a row. Priority will be given to full-time students, as the goal is to increase a much-needed healthcare workforce.

Selected students for the SCFHP Scholarship Program will be announced at Gavilan College’s Annual Scholarship Ceremony in June 2024.

“We are beyond grateful for CEO Christine Tomcala and Santa Clara Family Health Plan’s generous donation,” said Gavilan Superintendent/President Dr. Pedro Avila. “This donation will provide financial support and tear down barriers for students in pursuit of their dreams in these high-demand healthcare careers. It’s an investment in their futures and the economic well-being of countless families.”