FRESNO (KMJ) – The Big Fresno Fair’s own on-site museum, is now the recipient of a “Merrill Award” from the Western Fairs Association. The trophy, described as the Oscars of the industry, was officially handed over in a ceremony Tuesday morning. It’s the fair’s fourth “Merrill Award” since 2000.
“It’s received more Merrill awards than any other fair this century,” said WFA Executive Director Stephen Chambers. “We’ve been joking internally that as a staff that maybe we should make the Fresno Fair ineligible and call it the Fresno Fair award.”
The Fresno County Historical Museum first opened its doors at the start of the fair’s 2015 run, after years of fundraising efforts.
“I am here today, on behalf of 150 fairs, to not only deliver the Merrill Award and to thank you for this project, but to tell you that this museum is perfect now,” added Chambers to a flurry of applause from the crowd. “It is an amazing project.”
Big Fresno Fair officials say it is an honor to be recognized by the Western Fairs Association and other member fairs. They add that receiving the award wouldn’t be possible without support from the community.
“From our maintenance team, to our front office, to the folks who just work here 12 days a year – this building is one of the very best things we’ve ever done,” reveals the fair’s Deputy Manager Lauri King. “You walk inside, and you just feel special because you know you’re a part of something that will be here forever.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
