On the 100th anniversary of the Los Angeles County Fair, the Cal Poly Pomona Huntley College of Agriculture will enjoy expanded visibility.
Campus sheep and goats will again be the centerpiece of the popular Big Red Barn's petting zoo. Other areas feature pigs, cattle and pregnant livestock that are expected to deliver during the fair, from May 5 to 30, as well as baby animals and their mothers, and babies that need bottle-feeding. An added "Animal Storybook" area will show children what real animals from their stories look like.
For the first time, the college will have exhibits and presentations from each of its five academic departments. Highlights include a fashion show featuring the work of students in the apparel merchandising and management program and a display about new products created by nutrition and food science majors.
Additional presentations from the college include:
- An exhibit from the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center
- A "Bugs and Bees" exhibit featuring the college's apiary program including demonstrations on honey harvesting and the stages of a bee's life
- "A Farm in the City" featuring hands-on ideas for growing food and community in an urban environment
- "Discovery Farm" highlighting the fun adventures in agriculture available through AGRIscapes.
"From plants to animals, food to fashion, people can engage with our programs in a fun way and learn about the many exciting careers in agriculture today," said Craig Walters, the AGRIscapes outreach director who is overseeing the college's participation at the fair.
More than 30 students have been hired to work with the animals and at university booths during the fair offering hands-on learning opportunities from animal handling and display to community building and communications.
"Cal Poly Pomona" signage throughout the exhibit area will recognize the university's long partnership with the fair. Last year, Fairplex donated its vast archive of to the University Library Special Archive and Collection.
Visit the LA County Fair website for tickets and event information.
