For some local nonprofit organizations, the San Benito County
Fair is a major way to drum up support and get the word out on
programs people would otherwise not know about. This year was no
exception.
Hollister – For some local nonprofit organizations, the San Benito County Fair is a major way to drum up support and get the word out on programs people would otherwise not know about. This year was no exception.
A wide range of nonprofit groups, political booths registering voters, Boy Scouts offering activities for youth and vendors selling their wares turned out last weekend during fair.
“We advertise in the phone book, but this really is our only source of contacting people,” said Calvary Christian School Principal Walt Lindquist. “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people. A lot of people learn about us through the fair.”
Calvary Baptist and the Seventh Day Adventists were two of the local churches on hand to give out information and answer questions about their religion.
Several booths had drawings for prizes or offered pencils and candy to passersby.
The colorful booths of vendors and organizations filled the pavilion at Bolado Park for fair-goers to visit. There were the political booths, including the traditional Democratic and Republican parties. Several individual booths set up urged people to vote for a particular candidate in local races.
The San Benito Fire Safe Council, which encourages people to plant fire-resistant plants, gave out packets of seeds as prizes in a ball throwing contest. By Saturday, they had awarded all 500 of their packets.
Community Pantry, which provides food baskets to needy residents, sold raffle tickets for a quilt and raised $472, said representative Lordus Cordova.
The League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest and largest Hispanic organization in the United States, was on hand to give out information about its social, civic and sports programs that promote equality.
“It’s been pretty steady,” said Vince Luna, a youth advisor for LULAC. “There has been a good stream of people come through. We’ve seen a lot of people coming from out of town.”
Organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts also showcased upcoming events for kids.
“There are a lot of things for kids to do whether it is karate or 4-H,” said local Boy Scout leader Bob Avilla. “We don’t care what they do as long as they stay out of gangs.”
The Seniors Council, which provides support for seniors, comprised one of the few booths outside the pavilion. Representatives said they had 150 people express interest during the fair, many of which were seeking options for their parents.
But not everyone had as much success as they would have liked. The Lions Club, which had a booth selling corndogs, chicken nuggets and french fries, had to buy new equipment after a fire at the airport a year and a half ago destroyed much of their original equipment.
In addition, the organization also had to purchase a new generator adding extra expense to their cause. They didn’t receive their beverages to sell until late Friday night because of a miscommunication with their supplier.
“We’re struggling to survive,” said club president Rudy Shippley. “We will probably be in the black, but probably won’t make as much as last year. It’s too bad because it all goes back to the community.”
The Lions Club supports organizations like Ronald McDonald House and Emmaus House and also provides support for the visually and audibly impaired.
San Benito High government students were able to fulfill class requirements by volunteering their time.
“I had fun this week,” said senior Michelle Sanchez, who helped with the Lions Club. “I like to cook, so it wasn’t bad.”
