Learning, Fun and Support to Local Fairs
Caring for kids goes beyond Valley Children’s walls. Our commitment to children’s health and well-being extends into the communities we serve, and our partnerships with local fairs are a perfect example of that commitment in action. Through these collaborations, we help families create cherished memories while promoting literacy, education and access to enriching experiences for thousands of children across the Central Valley.
Merced County Fair: Encouraging Young Readers
For the past three years, Valley Children’s has proudly served as the presenting sponsor of the Merced County Fair. As part of our sponsorship, kids 12 and under received free admission, making it easier for families to enjoy a day at the fair. This year, more than 47,000 adults and 12,000 children attended!
As part of the event, we teamed up with the Merced County Library and First 5 Merced County to host a Library Bookmobile, an initiative that put 1,500 free books into the hands of young fairgoers. This partnership encouraged a love for reading and provided children in our community access to books that spark imagination and learning.
Madera County Fair: Free Fun for Families
The Madera County Fair is another event where Valley Children’s proudly gives back. As the presenting sponsor for the past three years, we’ve made it a priority to make the fair accessible to families – and this year more than 55,000 adults and children participated. Opening Day was Valley Children’s Healthcare Day, offering free admission to everyone, and throughout the fair, all children 12 and under received complimentary entry courtesy of Valley Children’s.
To further inspire young minds, we helped create Kid’s Town/Farm to Fair Kid’s Area, where children could learn about agriculture and the world around them. We also donated more than 500 books, so that the learning could extend beyond the fairgrounds.
Kern County Fair: Inspiring Literacy and Learning
With an estimated attendance of more than 331,000 in 2024, the Kern County Fair is one of the largest events we support. Our role as the Presenting Partner of School Day and K.C.’s Reading Round-Up reflects our deep commitment to education.
Through the fair’s Reading Round-Up, an incredible 26,000 children earned free fair admission by reading at least 200 minutes. By linking literacy to this fun reward, we hoped to help children develop a love of books and see learning as something to be celebrated.
Big Fresno Fair: Supporting Students and Families
As the largest fair in the region, the Big Fresno Fair welcomes 600,000 visitors annually, and Valley Children’s is honored to be a key supporter. Our partnership includes a chance to win one of four $3,000 scholarships for students who achieved a 4.0 GPA or higher. We also supported the Big Band Review and Education Program, reinforcing the importance of academics and the arts.
For families attending the fair, we offered peace of mind through the Found Children Area and Mommy Zone, providing safe spaces for little ones who were separated from their families and for nursing mothers. To make these areas even more comforting, we donated 250 books and 100 George plushies, ensuring that every lost child was met with warmth and reassurance.
Giving Back to the Communities That Support Us
Valley Children’s is deeply grateful for the communities that stand by us in our mission to provide exceptional pediatric care. As we continue these cherished partnerships, we look forward to more opportunities to bring joy, learning and health to the children and families who make our community so special. We look forward to another amazing fair season in 2025!