Download Big Barn Groundbreaking Press Release

Media Contacts:
Richard Regalo
(209) 777-8053
Denise Skidmore
(209) 631-4146
For Release April 3, 2015
CELEBRATION BREAKS GROUND FOR MERCED FAIRGROUNDS BIG BARN
MERCED, CA. April 3, 2015. With gold shovels and smiling faces many from the agricultural
community including 4-H and FFA members gathered at 9 am Friday to unearth the future – a
much needed 33,800 square foot new barn at the Merced County Fairgrounds.
“The swine barns are no longer large enough to accommodate our growing fair participation,”
explained Tom Musser, Merced County Fair Executive Director. “The large barn structure will be
the largest covered facility and available for car shows, fundraisers, events and other activities.
Without the dedication and hard work of the Friends of the Fair, this place for the entire
community would not be possible.”
The big barn will replace the swine barns that were built by the Works Progress Administration
in 1939 and were used as barracks for the army watching over the Japanese Americans
“assembled” on the fairgrounds in 1942. They were then used as dormitories until 1972 when
they were converted to swine barns.
The Friends of Merced County Fair, a non-profit, has been fundraising for the past six years to
construct the big barn.
“Thanks to Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. who contributed $250,000 to name the new barn and
many other donors, we were able to start construction now as building costs continued to rise,”
explained Richard Regalo, board president for the Friends of Merced County Fair. “The Hilmar
Cheese Company Barn will cost $1,200,000. We must continue to raise funds for the barn to be
able to finish it.”
Additional opportunities to support the project with large thank you signage include the main
roof beams, building support columns, wash racks and a thank you wall. Anyone interested in
advertising, honoring, or memorializing with a contribution to the barn can contact Rob Weimer,
Marsha Seivert or Stephen Moitozo of the capital campaign committee through the
friendsofmcf.org website.
Friends of Merced County Fair, Inc.
PO Box 2292, Merced, California 95344
501(c)(3) non-profit tax identification 26-0741966
www.friendsofmercedcountyfair.org
The community is encouraged to help pave the path to the barn with personalized bricks. A 4x8”
is $150 and 8x8” is $250. A form to purchase bricks is on the friendsofmcf.org website.
“We are extremely grateful for EAC Engineering who donated all of the engineering and design,”
commented Regalo. “We have been through multiple reviews and modifications to receive all
approvals. We also appreciate some of the contractors helping us now. Thank you to Rocha
Backhoe, Acme Electric, Taylor Backhoe, Central Valley Concrete and G and G Construction,
Inc. as they are working to keep the cost down,” continued Regalo.
“We know the community will have many uses for the new Hilmar Cheese Company Barn and
hope other organizations, not just agriculture, will help us raise the barn.”
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The purpose of the Friends of the Merced County Fair, designated a charity in 2008, is to make
the Merced County Fair a more community, cultural, and educational asset and to help with
volunteers.
The Friends have helped with shade cloths and fair improvements while focused on building the
much needed new barn. Visit www.friendsofmercedcountyfair.org or like our Facebook page to
see photos of the barn progress and contribute to the project.
Friends of Merced County Fair, Inc.
PO Box 2292, Merced, California 95344
501(c)(3) non-profit tax identification 26-0741966
www.friendsofmercedcountyfair.org