Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Neela Lopez of Reedley FFA

Every exhibitor has a story, and we’re excited to share a few as we count down to the Jr. Livestock Auction 🐐

 

Meet Neela Lopez, a Reedley FFA exhibitor from Reedley High School:

 

“I got involved in FFA by attending my chapter’s meetings. Since then, I’ve joined teams, shown animals, and I am the newly elected President! This program is so important to me as it provides exposure to the agriculture world and the community is like no other. I want to become a veterinarian and FFA provides me with the experiences I need to excel in that field. I’ve made so many friends from all over California because of how welcoming FFA truly is.

 

My project this year is a male goat named Sylus. He is a Boer goat and has the cutest brown dapple head. He’s a fast learner and is always ready to get to work. I’m getting really confident that we will do well. We’re excited for the fair and couldn’t have done this without everyone’s support.”

 

The Jr. Livestock Auction is an opportunity for our community to come together and support the next generation of agricultural leaders. Support Diana and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by becoming a buyer or placing an add-on bid.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17. Buyer and add-on details will be shared soon.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Sat, 10/10, with additional sales continuing Sat, 10/17. Buyer and add-on details will be shared soon.

 

Learn more on our website here!

Everything You Need to Know About The Big Fresno Fair’s 3D Illusion Street Chalk Contest

🎨 Think you’ve got what it takes to turn the pavement into a masterpiece? Enter the first-ever 3D Illusion Street Chalk Contest at The Big Fresno Fair!

 

Submit your entry online by Monday, September 7 at midnight for your chance to compete on Thursday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the southeast corner of the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand (near The Ivy Bar).

 

Participants must be 18 years or older to enter. Visit the Fine Arts section of the 2026 Competitive Exhibits Handbook for contest rules and entry information at www.FresnoFair.com/competitiveexhibits

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Rylie Takao | Kerman 4-H

Meet one of the dedicated exhibitors working toward this year’s Jr. Livestock Auction 🐖🐄🐑

 

Rylie Takao, a Kerman 4-H exhibitor is putting in the time and dedication as she prepares for this year’s auction. Here’s her story:

 

🐐 Rylie enjoys animals of all breeds. This is her first year being able to show with Kerman 4-H. Last year she showed in open show for the first time and learned a lot.

 

This year, Rylie’s she will be showing her Nigerian Dwarf Goat, named Millie, in the Dairy Goat class. She enjoys attending practice and taking walks with Millie to teach her how to walk on a collar.

 

Help support Rylie and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference. 🐐

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!

Watch & Wager with Us This Weekend! | July 30 – August 2

Big races. Big purses. Big excitement!

 

More than $3 million in purse money is up for grabs during another action-packed weekend of horse racing July 30 – August 2 at The Starting Gate! Here’s which stakes races to catch this weekend:

 

  • August 1 | Alington Million Stakes | $1,000,000
  • August 1 | Beverly D. Stakes | $500,000
  • August 1 | Secretariat Stakes | $500,000
  • August 1 | Clement L. Hirsch Stakes | $400,000
  • August 1 | Lake George Stakes | $175,000
  • August 1 | Jim Dandy Stakes | $500,000
  • August 1 | Saratoga Special Stakes | $250,000
  • August 1 | Seagram Cup Stakes | $150,000
  • August 2 | Alington Million Stakes | $225,000

 

The Starting Gate is located on the 2nd floor of the Grandstand at the Fresno Fairgrounds. Hours are Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Admission is free on Thursdays and $10 from Friday to Sunday. Parking is also free – just park in front of the Grandstand. For more information, contact Ronnie Mobley at (559) 994-3105. More details here. 

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Hazel Barr of Reedley FFA

The countdown to the Jr. Livestock Auction continues as we shine a spotlight on the students behind the projects 🐑

 

Meet Hazel Barr, a Reedley FFA exhibitor and a senior at Reedley High School:

 

“I joined FFA my freshman year because my older sister, Harmony, inspired me to become involved, and my mom encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and give showing livestock a chance. Looking back now as a senior, I’m so grateful they pushed me because it turned into one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. FFA has guided me throughout all four years of high school and has helped me grow into a more confident, responsible, and hardworking person. Through caring for my animals, competing, and participating in FFA activities, I’ve learned valuable life skills that I’ll carry with me long after graduation. I’m thankful for every opportunity, friendship, and memory this program has given me, and I’m proud to have spent all four years showing animals.

 

This year I’m showing my ewe, Mira, and it’s especially meaningful because she’s my final FFA project as a senior. Caring for Mira has taken daily dedication, from feeding and exercising her to grooming and preparing her for the show ring. Every day has reminded me that success comes from patience, consistency, and hard work. As my last year exhibiting, I’ve been making the most of every moment with Mira and appreciating everything this project has taught me. While it’s bittersweet to close this chapter, I’m grateful to end my FFA journey doing something I truly love.”

 

Help support Hazel and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!

Roll Into Competition: Cinnamon Rolls Contest at The 2026 Big Fresno Fair

We’re rolling out something sweet this year! Introducing the NEW Cinnamon Rolls Contest as part of our Home Arts Competitive Exhibits! Fresno County residents are invited to bring their best homemade cinnamon rolls – classic or creative.

 

The last day to submit your online entries is Monday, September 7 by midnight. Contest takes place during the 2026 Big Fresno Fair on Saturday, October 17. Must be present to win! 🥇

 

Classes include:
• Plain
• Frosted
• With Nuts
• Any Other Flavors / Toppings

 

For official rules, eligibility and details, please see the Home Arts Exhibits Book. Enter online today by visiting our website here.  

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Matthew Gutierrez of Reedley FFA

Meet one of the dedicated exhibitors working toward this year’s Jr. Livestock Auction!

 

Matthew Gutierrez is part of the Reedley FFA Chapter and a student at Reedley High School:

 

“I got involved into FFA through the (CDE) Career Development Event (BIG) Best Informed Greenhand. I got into this CDE to learn more about FFA and the organization’s history. This program is very important to me. It’s given me so many new perspectives in my life. It’s given me friends, an occupation idea, and several other opportunities in future life.

 

My project is a goat. Her name is Hazel. Hazel has taught me several things in FFA. She’s helped me learn new techniques to help raise an animal more effectively and safely.”

 

Help support Matthew and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Isabella Garcia | Fresno-Central FFA

Every exhibitor has a story, and we’re excited to share a few as we count down to the Jr. Livestock Auction 🐐

 

Meet Isabella Garcia of the Fresno-Central FFA Chapter!

 

Isabella got involved into FFA to help her gain a better understanding and hands on experience in the agriculture industry. The FFA program is important to Isabella because she would love to become a vet someday and by joining this program, she has already learned so much, such as taking care of her animals and classes that help her gain more knowledge about those in agriculture and the hard work it truly is.

This year Isabella will be showcasing a wether market goat, his name is Biscuit. Biscuit and Isabella have done lots of bonding and long days together already. Even though he loves being stubborn, he’s still a huge sweetheart.

 

Help support Isabella and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Gurankush Riar of Clovis FFA

Meet one of the dedicated exhibitors working toward this year’s Jr. Livestock Auction 🐖🐄🐑

 

Gurankush Riar, a Clovis FFA senior at Clovis East High School, is putting in the time and dedication as he prepares for this year’s auction. Here’s his story:

 

Gurankush Riar became involved in FFA because of a strong passion for agriculture and livestock. Through the program, Gurankush has developed leadership, responsibility, communication skills, and a strong work ethic. FFA has provided countless opportunities to learn from mentors, build lasting friendships, and gain experiences that will benefit him throughout life. The program has become an important part of his personal growth and has helped shape his future goals.

This year, Gurankush raised a market goat, dedicating countless hours to feeding, exercising, grooming, and caring for the animal each day. In addition to his daily care routine, he traveled to numerous jackpot shows throughout the year to improve both his showmanship skills and the quality of his project. These competitions allowed him to compete against top exhibitors, receive valuable feedback from judges, and continually improve both himself and his animal. Through this project, Gurankush has demonstrated dedication, patience, and perseverance while developing valuable livestock management, leadership, and sportsmanship skills.

 

Help support Gurankush and fellow 4-H and FFA exhibitors by participating in the Jr. Livestock Auction as a buyer or through an add-on bid. Every contribution makes a difference.

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Jr. Livestock Auction kicks off Saturday, October 10, with additional sales continuing Saturday, October 17.

 

Details on how to become a buyer or place an add-on bid will be available soon. Every bit of support makes a difference for these hardworking students. Learn more here!

One Month Until the “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive | August 25!

We’re just one month out from our 16th Annual “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive with Central California Blood Center! 🩸🎡🎶

 

The special kick-off event happens Tuesday, August 25 from 5 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Commerce Building at the Fresno Fairgrounds.

 

Roll up your sleeve and:

🎟️ Receive a BOGO Fair admission voucher

🎶 Enter a drawing for concert and Grandstand entertainment tickets

🌽 Enjoy FREE corn dogs & kettle corn at the kick-off event!

 

The full blood drive runs Tuesday, August 25 through Sunday, October 18 at Central California Blood Center donor centers and mobile locations.

 

Every pint makes a difference. Check out Ariya Behrens’ story in the graphic to see the real impact.

 

For more details on the “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive, click here!