Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Samantha Charles of Reedley Middle College FFA

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

 

Meet Samantha Charles, a Reedley Middle College FFA exhibitor!

 

“I first got involved in FFA during my first semester at Reedley Middle College High School. CDE (Career Development Event) season, by participating in a competition called Floriculture. Participating in floriculture pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and build confidence in teamwork skills. FFA has taught me skills I can use not just throughout my career in this program, but in almost every aspect of my life.

 

This year is my first year showing livestock. I am raising a market hog named Dipper. Dipper is a very calm pig when it comes to walking and is a fast learner outside of the pen. Over the past couple of months, I learned firsthand how much work and care must go into raising hogs. This project taught me how to create and manage a feeding schedule, basic care and grooming, and practice showmanship. Though my journey in FFA has just begun, I have already learned so much, and I’m excited to learn so much more.”

 

Help support Samantha 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 – Mikaela Flores of Sanger FFA!

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

 

Meet Mikaela Flores, a Sanger FFA exhibitor who is a junior at Sanger High School:

 

Mikaela got involved in FFA because she had grown an interest in the agriculture field and wanted to see the different opportunities it had to offer. Since then, she has gotten involved in CDE’s and LDE’s competition teams, and leadership roles. The ones who introduced her to the SAE’s projects were her two older cousins who showed Market Boer Goats and Breeding Heifers. Which led to her showing Market Boer Goats as well, and Breeding Rabbits throughout her high school years. FFA is very important to her because it showed her the many aspects agriculture has to offer, and how it’s not just about farming, but it’s also about building a set of skills that will later help her in college and in life.

This year will be Mikaela’s third year of showing, and she will be showcasing a breeding Rabbit named Daisy and will be auctioning a Market Boer Goat named Scarface, at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair. From her SAE’s projects, she has learned a lot about animals, and what it takes to care for one. Throughout it all, her love for her animals has never faltered, and has only made her more determined to showcase her animals.

 

Help support MIkaela 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!

Showcase Your Ride at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair Car Show on October 17!

Calling all car lovers! The 2nd annual Big Fresno Fair Car Show rolls into the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand on Saturday, October 17, featuring everything from classic cars and custom builds to lowriders, motorcycles and more.

 

Best of all? It’s FREE with your paid Fair admission!

 

Think your ride has what it takes? Register by September 30 for a chance to compete for Best in Show, People’s Choice, Best Lowrider, Best Motorcycle and more. The car show runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the awards ceremony at 2 p.m. and a Cruise Out on the Fairgrounds at 3 p.m.

 

Ready to show off your ride? Register today here!

 

Grandstand Entertainment is presented by Table Mountain Casino and Coors Light.

Watch & Wager with Us This Weekend! | August 27 – 30

Join us this Thursday, August 27 through Sunday, August 30 at The Starting Gate for a thrilling weekend of live horse racing action! Relax with your favorite snack and beverage while you watch and wager on the races via our satellite simulcast. With over $7 million in purse money on the line, the stakes have never been higher!

 

Here are the must-see high-stakes races you won’t want to miss:

  • August 28 | Charles Town Classic Stakes | $1,000,000
  • August 28 | Charles Town Oaks Stakes | $750,000
  • August 29 | Del Mar Handicap Presented | $300,000
  • August 29 | Pat O’Brien Stakes | $250,000
  • August 29 | Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes | $1,750,000
  • August 29 | Waya Stakes | $225,000
  • August 29 | Lake Placid Stakes | $400,000
  • August 29 | Forego Stakes | $500,000
  • August 29 | H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes | $500,000
  • August 29 | Resorts World Casino Ballerina Stakes | $500,000
  • August 29 | Personal Ensign Stakes | $500,000
  • August 29 | DraftKings Travers Stakes | $1,250,000
  • August 30 | Torrey Pines Stakes | $150,000

 

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. Gate times subject to change.

 

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. 

Fair Education Program is Filling Up — Register Your Class Today!

Attention Fresno County Teachers! Don’t miss the chance to give your students a fun and engaging learning experience at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair. The Fair Education Program offers Fresno County Pre K through 8th grade classes from public, private and home schools a free field trip filled with hands-on activities, local history, agriculture and inspiring exhibits from across the community. Register your class today and be part of this exciting tradition.

 

Field trip dates are:
📅 Thursday, October 8
📅 Friday, October 9
📅 Thursday, October 10
📅 Friday, October 11

 

Spots are filling up fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable day of learning outside the classroom!

 

To learn more and to register your class today, click here.

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Charlotte Houseweart of Kingsburg FFA

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

 

Charlotte Houseweart, a Kingsburg FFA exhibitor from Kingsburg High School, is putting in the time and dedication as they prepare for this year’s auction. Here’s her story:

 

“I joined the FFA my freshman year because going into high school I wanted to find a strong community of others who shared similar interests, and would also push me to challenge myself and grow. I have had the opportunity to be a part of so many unique and transformative experiences that cannot be found anywhere but this wonderful program. Not only have I grown through raising livestock, but I’ve also participated in competitions and elections which have taught me lifelong lessons like how to be a better public speaker. On top of learning life lesson, I’ve also made so many new friendships!

 

This year I am raising my second market swine, a uniquely colored light cross barrow named Paddy, who loves eating marshmallows and getting baths! This summer I’ve spent hours training him for the ring, making sure he’s gaining plenty of weight, and caring for him.”

 

Help support Charlotte 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!

Win Tickets to See Matt Maher with Special Guest Caleb & John!

AN EVENING OF FAITH, WORSHIP & MUSIC IS COMING TO The Big Fresno Fair!

 

Join acclaimed Christian artist Matt Maher with special guests Caleb & John for an uplifting night of live music on Tuesday, October 13 — and enter for your chance to experience it for FREE! To enter, just head to our Big Fresno Fair socials – Facebook, or Instagram – and follow the contest rules on the post! The contest ends on Tuesday, September 1 by midnight. Winner will be notified via DM.

 

Don’t miss an inspiring night of faith and music with Matt Maher and special guests Caleb & John on Tuesday, October 13 as part of the Table Mountain Concert Series presented by Toyota!

 

For more concert details, click here.

Prepare for Your Visit: The Big Fresno Fair’s Clear Bag Policy

Reminder! The Big Fresno Fair’s Clear Bag Policy returns for 2026.

 

Before heading to the Fair, here’s what you need to know:

 

  • Clear bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″
  • Small non-clear clutches or fanny packs up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″
  • Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are permitted
  • All bags are subject to inspection before entry

 

Plan ahead for a smooth arrival! View the full policy on our website here.

Purchase Grandstand Event Tickets for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair!

The countdown is on!

 

Get ready for action-packed entertainment in the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand at the 2026 Big Fresno Fair! Tickets are on sale now online or at the Box Office, so now’s the time to secure your seats before they’re gone! Reserve your seats now for:

 

  • October 9 & 10 | Big Fresno Fair Pro Rodeo | Tickets start at $7
  • October 16 | Demolition Derby | Tickets start at $5
  • October 17 | 2nd Annual Big Fresno Fair Car Show| FREE with paid Fair admission
  • October 17 | 11th Annual Beer & Wine Fest | Tickets start at $35
  • October 18 | Monsters of Destruction: Monster Trucks | Tickets start at $10

 

For more details on this year’s Grandstand entertainment line-up, visit our website here!

 

The 2026 Big Fresno Fair Grandstand entertainment is sponsored by Table Mountain Casino Resort and Coors Light.

Livestock Exhibitor Feature – Meleah Williamson of Clovis FFA

Hard work is already underway for this October’s Jr. Livestock Auction! 🐑

 

Meet today’s featured exhibitor: Meleah Williamson of Clovis FFA!

 

“FFA is important to me because it has taught me responsibility, leadership, and hard work. Raising a pig for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair means taking care of my animal every day and making sure it stays healthy and strong. Through FFA, I’ve gained confidence, made new friends, and learned valuable life skills that will help me long after the Fair is over. I’m proud to be part of an organization that helps me grow and succeed.

 

My FFA project is raising a light cross gilt for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair. Through this project, I’ve learned responsibility, hard work, and patience by caring for my pig every day. I feed, exercise, and monitor its health to help it grow and reach its full potential. Raising my pig has taught me valuable life skills and given me a better understanding of agriculture and livestock production. One of my favorite parts of the project is building a bond with my pig and watching it grow. It was exciting to see the progress we have made together. I’m excited to showcase all of my hard work at The Big Fresno Fair.”

 

Help support Meleah 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!