Monterey County Fair Earns Top Honors At 2025 Western Fairs Association Convention

MONTEREY, CA. – April 16, 2025 – The Monterey County Fair & Event Center brought home multiple first-place awards from the 2025 Western Fairs Association (WFA) Convention, solidifying its position as a statewide contributor in fair innovation, visual storytelling, and community-focused programming. Each year, the WFA Achievement Awards spotlight excellence across the fair industry, encouraging the exchange of impactful ideas and successful strategies among peers throughout North America. 

The 2025 WFA Convention was held January 19–22 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. The annual gathering marked a celebration of over a century of fair excellence, bringing together more than 120 fairs, along with representatives from entertainment, food & beverage, and event production sectors. Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to creativity and innovation, the Monterey County Fair & Event Center received top honors in several competitive categories.

“Give It Your Best Shot” Photo Awards – First Place: 

• “Commercial Vendor Booth” Photo 
• Animals Photo 

Achievement Awards – First Place: 

• Creative Promotions to Combat Inflation in the Fair Industry 
• Self-Produced Videos
• Fair Logo/Annual Event Logo 
• Fair Program or Schedule 
• Fair-time Commemorative Poster 

“We are incredibly proud of our team and their continued efforts to produce a fair that reflects the heart and spirit of Monterey County,” said Kelly Violini-Rodoni, Chief Executive Officer of the Monterey County Fair & Event Center. “These awards are a testament to our creative adaptability and dedication to the community. We thank the Western Fairs Association for honoring our work and supporting our industry with opportunities for growth and recognition.”

About the Western Fairs Association 

The Western Fairs Association (WFA) was founded in 1922 and is a nonprofit trade association serving the fair industry throughout the western United States and Canada. The association’s primary purpose is to assist in maintaining the highest professional standards within the fair industry through a voluntary network of individuals and organizations. The primary objective of Western Fairs Association is to promote the prosperity of fairs through educational activities, training programs and legislative advocacy.

About the Monterey County Fair & Event Center

The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is a state-owned multi-use facility that features four large banquet rooms, two outdoor concert venues, and a variety of outdoor and indoor cost-effective sites ideal for all types of events. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility.

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