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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Danielle LeBouef
(559) 650-3229
(559) 994-3133
THE BIG FRESNO FAIR ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF FIRST EVER
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARDS
Awards to honor individuals who have made a difference in Fresno County communities
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA…TBD…The Big Fresno Fair is proud to announce the recipients of the first ever
Big Fresno Fair Community Champions Awards, which formally recognize individuals who have
demonstrated an extraordinary passion for the betterment of Fresno County. The 2008 award-winners
represent the following four categories: Youth, Volunteer, Humanitarian and Educator.
The following recipients of the new Big Fresno Fair Community Champions Awards will be announced and
formally recognized during the 2008 Big Fresno Fair Opening Ceremonies on October 1st.
• Taytum Rose Popp – Community Champion, Youth
• Larry M. Fortune – Community Champion, Volunteer
• Israel Lara – Community Champion, Humanitarian
• Alfred Sanchez – Community Champion, Educator
These individuals were nominated by community members, Big Fresno Fair staff or past Fair Board of
Directors. Nominations were reviewed by The Big Fresno Fair Board of Directors and voted on at the
August 2008 board meeting.
“We are honored and excited to announce the winners of the new Big Fresno Fair Community Champions
Awards,” said John C. Alkire, CEO, The Big Fresno Fair. “It is an incredible experience to be able to
recognize these individuals for all they do for Fresno County. To be able to recognize and tell their story
serves as an inspiration for others … it has definitely inspired and touched our Board of Directors as they
reviewed the nominations.”
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Page 2 – Big Fresno Fair Community Champions Award Winners cont
All Big Fresno Fair Community Champions Award-winners will receive prominent visual recognition at the
Fairgrounds, as well as receive a special Community Champions Award plaque at Opening Ceremonies.
Award-winners will also be listed on the Fair website.
The Big Fresno Fair, founded in 1884, is the fifth largest fair in the State of California and represents the 21st
District Agricultural Association. Nearly 550,000 people from throughout the state visit The Big Fresno Fair
each year making it the largest event in the Central Valley. Members of the Board of Directors include: Larry
Serpa, President; Tim Bakman, Vice President; Joseph De Los Santos, Secretary Treasurer; Ardie Der
Manouel, Elizabeth Hudson, Debbie Jacobsen, Vernon Jones, Wangyee Vang and William White. John C.
Alkire heads daily operations in his role as Chief Executive Officer. Additional information about The Big
Fresno Fair can be found at www.FresnoFair.com.
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http://www.fresnofair.com/bf/press/documents/CommunityChampionsWinnersPR_091108FNL.pdf