PASO ROBLES, Calif. (KEYT) - The California Mid-State Fair (CMSF) is much more than an annual summertime event for Jo Ann Switzer, it's a lifelong tradition.
A native of Pozo, where her family has ranched cattle for more than 100 years, Switzer has attended every fair since its humble beginnings in 1946.
"I've been to all of them," said Switzer. "It was just a very minor little fair. I think it was 25 cents to get in, and there were about 20,000 people came. I started showing and have never missed a fair way or the other."
Now 89-years-old, Switzer has been an instrumental part of the fair during her amazing life, which she has dedicated to the local livestock and agriculture industry.
All four of Switzer's sons participated in the livestock program and today the tradition continues through four generations with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren following in her footsteps, raising and showing animals.
"I just can't express the importance of the 4-H and FFA programs," said Switzer. "Even if they don't do anything when they get out of high school with their animals, they have learned responsibility. They have learned working together. They have learned finances and all of these things that are life lasting. That's what's very important to me. Plus, there's tons of young people that go on to be big time leaders in the United States, so this is a very important program in my opinion."
Switzer's contributions extend well beyond exhibiting livestock. She served for many years as a member of the California Mid-State Fair Board, helping guide the fair's growth while remaining a strong advocatef or agriculture and youth livestock programs.
Through her immense contributions to the local livestock and agriculture industry, as well as the fair itself, Switzer was named as the first woman to receive the prestigious Cattleman of the Year award in 1992, and was later inducted in the CMSF Hall of Fame in 2004.
At the very beginning, the fair was known as the San Luis Obispo County Fair before it was rebranded as the California Mid-State Fair in 1981.
"Originally we had the racetrack, we had lots of races," said Switzer. "We had a nail driving contest and the kids used to be able to camp here as well. "Now, it's one of the biggest and most prestigious fairs around. There's not many like this. It has done nothing but grow in a positive way."
As hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoy another year of exhibits, concerts, carnival rides, and competition, Switzer continues to represent the enduring spirit of the fair, a reminder that while it has changed dramatically over the past 80 years, its heart remains rooted in the people who have helped build its legacy.
"Jo Ann is a special person for all of us at the fair," said CMSF CEO Colleen Bojorquez. "We're so excited to keep her in the livestock area, especially—that's her passion. She loves it. She's such a great ambassador for the fair and her family continues the tradition."
As she prepares to celebrate her 90th birthday in a few weeks in early September, Switzer is looking forward to attending many more fairs in the future.
"Absolutely, I don't think they can have a fair without me really," Switzer said her legendary sense of humor.
The California Mid-State Fair concludes it 12-day run on Sunday, July 26.
California Mid-State Fair is celebrating 80th anniversary this year, one local woman has been to all of them News Channel 3-12.
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