LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Fair Foundation, or LCFF, announced the 2019 slate of officers at its annual membership meeting held the evening of Feb. 7 at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Ruth Stewart, Kelseyville Pharmacy, will serve another term as president; Jeff Warrenburg, Paradise Skate, was named vice president; Debbie Strickler, retired Lake County Fair CEO, continues as treasurer; and Ericka Illg, student and former Junior representative of the LCFF, will serve as the organization’s secretary.

Other LCFF board members include Tom Turner, Jane Alameda and Monica Rosenthal.

The first order of business was a review of Fair improvement projects completed and projects in progress.

With the efforts of the LCFF Board and its membership, the LCFF completed the renovations of the Phil Lewis Hall bathrooms, purchased new chairs for the exhibit halls, and provided new paint for the exterior of Lewis Hall and the Red Barn.

Additional projects funded in part by LCFF include new wood floors in the Little Theatre building, a revamp of the main gate entrance, new floors in all the Fairgrounds public restrooms, and a renovation of the Bob Donley horse barn to the Bob Donley Equine Education Center, to be revealed soon.

The Lake County Ag and Natural Resources Day was also a topic of discussion at the membership meeting. The upcoming third annual “field trip” style March event is hosted by LCFF in partnership with Lake County Farm Bureau, American Ag Credit, UC and 4-H.

“Ag Day at the Lake County Fair has certainly become a gem in our community and an exceptional learning opportunity for our students,” says LCFF Special Events Chairman Debbie Strickler. “Each year more schools participate and more students experience the magic of this day. We are very proud to be a partner in this ‘hands on’ agriculture and natural resources adventure.”

LCFF, a nonprofit 501 c 3, was founded in 2015 following a 2012 state of California decision to discontinue funding to California State Fairs leaving Lake County with few options and a long list of expenses.

Since its inception, the Lake County Fair Foundation has supported our local fair through beautification projects, repairs and enhancements to the fairgrounds and offering financial support to FFA and 4-H students impacted by recent fires. In addition to raising funds, LCFF’s mission includes educating the community about our Lake County Fair, its heritage and significance.

To become a member of the LCFF, email the Fair Foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or stop by the fair office located at 401 Martin St. in Lakeport. Individual, family or business membership options are available to anyone who wishes to uphold the tradition, heritage and magic of our Lake County Fair.

Please consider joining the Lake County Fair Foundation today. Visit the group online at www.lakecountyfairfoundation.org or on Facebook.

Tom Turner is an LCFF Board member.