Congressman Costa Lends Support to Preserve County, Local Fairs
(FRESNO) Congressman Jim Costa announced his support for HR 7883, the Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act, legislation that aims to preserve agricultural fairs across the country and offset the devastating financial losses they've experienced due to COVID-19:
"Our county fairs play a vital economic and cultural role throughout our valley," said Costa. "They provide family entertainment in addition to serving as a showcase for hardworking Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4H students. Like many important traditions that generate revenue during this pandemic, fairs are struggling with a significant loss of income from shuttered doors and canceled events. This legislation provides needed relief to keep these important community events financially afloat until a time we can once again enjoy with family and friends the valuable traditions county fairs have provided for generations."
The Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act would provide $500 million in grant funding administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to keep the fairs functioning and preserve them for the future. In Rep. Costa's 16th Congressional District, 5 agricultural fairs, the Big Fresno Fair, the Madera District Fair, the Merced County Fair, The Chowchilla-Madera County Fair and the Spring Fair in Los Banos have all had to cancel or hold alternative events in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for them and the communities they serve.