The California State Fair is embarking on its annual search for farms, ranches and companies that have called California home for 100 years or more. Building on its 60-year legacy of honoring century-old agricultural enterprises, the State Fair now seeks new nominees for its prestigious California Agricultural Heritage Club.
Any ag-related businesses or affiliates, including farms, ranches, equipment dealers, accountants, trade or marketing organizations, irrigation districts and others are invited to apply for induction into the elite association. The deadline for applying is June 9, 2006.
"The CAHC was created as a way to celebrate the history of agriculture and agricultural enterprises that will be honored have made significant contributions to that heritage," says Norb Bartosik, State Fair CEO and General Manager. "The program recognizes more than just owning a business. It chronicles the unique family histories of agricultural productivity in California."
Formerly titled the "100 Year Club," the CAHC has played an integral role in recognizing the economic heritage of California's largest industry. Members of the group receive a plaque of recognition and a special invitation to the State Fair's annual recognition ceremony and brunch specifically for designees. The 2006 brunch event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. at the California State Fair Budweiser Grandstands (lower level).
Company County Established - 2005 inductees with at least 100 years of continuous operation:
- Petaluma Argus-Courier, Sonoma County Established 1855.
- Jensen (Bill & Family) Ranches, Marin County Established 1856.
- Garamendi McSorley Ranch ,Calaveras County Established 1863.
- Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pitman LLP, San Francisco County Established 1864.
- Lonoak Ranch, Monterey County Established 1873.
- Linder Hardware, Tulare County Established 1882.
- Lynch Farms, San Joaquin County Established 1885.
- A.L. Gilbert Company, Stanislaus County Established 1892.
- Kerr-Koontz Farms, Yolo County Established 1897.
- Ghirardelli Vineyards, Calaveras County Established 1900.
- McEnerney Farms Inc., Sacramento County Established 1901.
- Bastoni Vineyards, Sonoma County Established 1905.
Company County Established- 2005 inductees with at least 125 years of continuous operation:
- Garamendi McSorley Ranch, Calaveras County Established 1863.
- Flournoy Ranch, Modoc County Established 1871.
- Richardson Ranch, Sonoma County Established 1876.
Company County Established -2005 inductees with at least 150 years of continuous operation:
- Petaluma Argus-Courier, Sonoma County Established 1855.
- Mohr-Fry Ranch, Alameda County Established 1855 originally in San Joaquin County.
If you are interested in becoming or nominating a member of the California Agricultural Heritage Club, please visit the California State Fair Web site at www.bigfun.org. Those with questions may also contact the California State Fair Competitive Programs Department at (916) 263-3598 or via e-mail at tmcentire@calexpo.com.