THE BALLOON MAN

Valley Fair board gives Pierce College farm $25,000
By Dana Bartholomew, Staff Writerdailynews.com
from: L.A. Daily News
04/18/2012
The Valley Fair board approved a $25,000 gift Wednesday to the historic Pierce College farm, whose operations have been affected by budget cuts. 


Support by the 51st District Agricultural Association coincides with the upcoming Pierce College Farmwalk community event and fundraiser on Sunday. 


"We're reaching out to Pierce," said Dan Jacobs, acting manager of the fair. "We want to show them we're really interested to promote agriculture and agriculture education. 


"We're giving the money, no strings attached." 


The 51st DAA, which overseas the Valley Fair, has been hoping to partner with the college to promote agriculture, stage livestock exhibitions and 4-H events. 


The state agency, which has nearly $3 million set aside from the sale of its Cal State Northridge fairgrounds, has for decades lacked a permanent site. 


Its beleaguered Valley Fair did not stage events in 2009 and 2011, and hosted a lackluster fair in 2010. 


A year ago, its board decided it would no longer host traditional fairs, but would focus on agriculture and livestock shows. 


No events are planned for 2012.