Oak Park woman leads San Fernando Valley Fair

The San Fernando Valley Fair is coming back in June, and fair organizers are pitching horse shoes this year-for the first time ever, the famed Budweiser Clydesdale draft horses will be visiting the fair.

The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to their red, white and gold beer wagon.

At the fair, the horses' handlers will give grooming demonstrations, showing how the Clydesdales are washed, brushed and groomed.

Oak Park resident Catherine Garcia has been director of the fair since December 2003. Chosen by the fair's board of directors for her experience in producing large events, Garcia also has worked for nonprofit agencies and in local government. She holds a master's degree in business, a foundation she says has helped her as CEO for the fair.

In the past, Garcia has been director of parks and recreation for the city of Coachella, a director of the Girl Scouts of America, and executive vice president of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce.

Garcia credits a hard-working and dedicated staff for a 34 percent increase in fair attendance since she accepted the position three years ago.

Catherine Garcia Garcia is married and has three daughters, including a senior at Agoura High School.

Garcia said she wants to continue to fulfill the mission of the fair while reaching out to a new level of attendees.

"Our mission for the San Fernando Valley Fair is to offer a link between the urban and rural

parts of the San Fernando Valley. Our fair cherishes the past, celebrates the present and continually looks for ways to build the future," she said.

Scheduled for June 8 to 11, the 60th annual fair will offer a variety of entertainment and exhibits. Some of the acts booked include Rick Sheppard's Drifters, Zola Taylor's Platters and Cornell Gunter's Coasters.

The fair will be at Hansen Dam Sports Center, 11400 Foothill Blvd. in Lake View Terrace.