News Releases
Contact: Katie Marzullo
Direct Line 949-257-9089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2026
2026 Santa Cruz County Fair Theme Revealed
Watsonville, CA – And the winner is… “Apple Pies and Starry Skies!”
This winning theme for the 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair, set for September 16-20, evokes both nostalgia and hopefulness for the future, a classic American dessert conjuring up the taste of summer, and the stunning and awe-inspiring imagery of the night sky above the Santa Cruz County fairgrounds.
This year, we received nearly 100 theme suggestions through our 2026 Theme Contest. The winner is selected by vote of our dedicated volunteer department heads and staff picking their favorite entry. It was a difficult choice, but ultimately "Apple Pies and Starry Skies" submitted by Randy Fong, hit the mark!
"Fairs can be so fun," says Fong, “I thought that coming up with the official tagline for the Fair would be pretty cool.”
For his winning entry, Fong receives four passes to the Fair as well as a free parking pass.
The Fair fun is just beginning. Another contest is on the horizon: All Santa Cruz County artists are invited to enter our 2026 Poster Art Contest to create this year’s official Fair poster. In addition, the art will also grace the cover of our Entry and Fair Guides. And it will be used in advertising, social media and on signs throughout the fairgrounds.
More details, deadlines and criteria for the 2026 Poster Art Contest will be released soon. Stay tuned!
###
The Santa Cruz County Fair celebrates the rich agricultural history of our community and people and invests heavily in bringing this heritage to our youth. The 2026 Fair will be held September 16-20, at the Fairgrounds located on Highway 152 just east of Watsonville. Information on the Fair, and the Fairgrounds - a year-round entertainment and event venue, can be found at santacruzcountyfair.com
Contact: Katie Marzullo
Direct Line 949-257-9089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 29, 2025
2026 Fair Theme Contest Underway
Watsonville, CA – Got a phrase that pops? A rhyme that shines?
Imagine your words splashed across every Santa Cruz County Fair poster and sign! If you’ve got a clever saying or catchy theme, now’s the time to share it in the Santa Cruz County Fair Annual Fair Theme Contest.
We’re looking for fun, creative themes that celebrate the spirit of Santa Cruz County—with a little red, white, and blue sparkle in honor of the United States’ 250th birthday.
The winning theme will be featured throughout the 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair and score four free fair tickets plus a free parking pass.
Dream it. Write it. See it at the Fair!
Submit your theme and help shape the Fair!
The deadline for entries is January 13st at 5pm.
Or mail to:
Santa Cruz County Fair, Theme Contest
2601 East Lake Avenue
Watsonville, CA 95076
You can also drop off your theme entry, in person, at the Fair Office Monday-Friday between 9am-4pm. (The office is closed for the holidays from 12/24-1/1.)
The 2026 Santa Cruz County Fair will be held September 16th-20th 2026.
The Santa Cruz County Fair celebrates the rich agricultural history of our community and people and invests heavily in bringing this heritage to our youth. The 2026 Fair will be held September 16-20, at the Fairgrounds located on Highway 152 just east of Watsonville. Information on the Fair, and the Fairgrounds - a year-round entertainment and event venue, can be found at santacruzcountyfair.com
Contact: Katie Marzullo
Direct Line 949-257-9089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2025
2025 Diaper Derby— A Fair Favorite!
Watsonville, CA – Our annual Diaper Derby drew a huge crowd at the Santa Cruz County Fair this afternoon! We like to call it the slowest two minutes in sports… and this year got off to an especially slow start—making for a super cute race! The winner of this year’s Diaper Derby is, Carter!
Video here (please credit: Santa Cruz County Fair):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_g26vOl2PeOKEEXV9nsSlSIRp7WeJXYI?usp=sharing
Background information:
Our famous Diaper Derby pits baby against baby in a “foot race” for the ages!
The babies inch their way to victory by making a beeline for a parent at the finish line. Some hustle… some just sit… others wander off.
Still, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over! You never know which baby will pull off the win.
After the Diaper Derby, we hold a “Toddler Contest…” it moves along a little more quickly! Don’t blink or you’ll miss it! (2025 winner, Leyla).
These events have roots in the celebrations held in pioneer communities. They were part of the Fair in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Our beloved Fair supporter, Loretta Estrada, gets credit for bringing back these fun-filled races. Estrada started the tradition 15 years ago, when her grand-daughter Paris was a baby. She added the Toddler Contest so Paris, and the other original baby contestants, could continue to compete—and their families could continue to enjoy the event.
###
Contact: Katie Marzullo
Direct Line 949-257-9089
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2025
TOMORROW is Opening Day of the Santa Cruz County Fair!!
Watsonville, CA – Come one, come all! The Santa Cruz County Fair opens tomorrow, Wednesday, September 10th!
Media are invited to our Opening Ceremony at 11:40am, at the Main Entrance. Gates open to fairgoers at noon. Media are invited to cover the Fair anytime, any day. Please call Katie at 949-257-9089 for Press Passes.
One night only, FMX Ramp-Age! It’s a spectacular fusion of music and extreme sports-- promising jaw-dropping stunts by riders including X Games gold medalist, Adam Jones! (additional ticket required)
NEW-- Pro Wrestling Revolution! Pro Wrestling Revolution takes great pride in introducing the rich tradition of Lucha Libre to audiences across America. (Free shows daily.)
Kids will love our NEW Slime Lab, powered by the Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery.
Wednesday, September 10th - FMX Ramp-Age (additional ticket required)
Thursday, September 11th - The Outlaw Mariachi
Friday, September 12th - The White Album Ensemble
Saturday, September 13th - RED – A Taylor Swift Tribute
Sunday, September 14th - Los Dinnos
Buy tickets and see daily schedules at: santacruzcountyfair.com
###