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VFW to pour beer at Fair Foundation booth for donation
Veterans hope for memorial tribute after fair facility renovation
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While the Veterans of Foreign Wars will not have their traditional beer booth at the Stanislaus County Fair this year, that doesn’t mean they won’t have a presence as members of the VFW will be voluntarily pouring beer at the Fair Foundation’s beer booth.

In December, the Stanislaus County Fair decided to dissolve an agreement that allows three nonprofits to sell alcohol at the fair: the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Active 20-30 Club and FACT Club (Families Activities Community Turlock). The nonprofits received a letter that stated: “The Stanislaus County Fair Board, and its foundation, have explored a variety of options, including selling beer and/or wine products. At its most recent meeting, it was decided to move forward with that option.”

The decision was precipitated by the loss of state funding four years ago which has left many fairs throughout the state struggling to survive without the future possibility of funding, said Stanislaus County Fair CEO Chris Borovansky in December.

“It was a business decision and the commercial committee took into account a variety of things when choosing which nonprofits would be affected,” Borovansky stated in December.

Since the VFW learned of the new conditions, it has been working with the Stanislaus County Fair to find a way to maintain a presence at the fair. The two entities settled upon an agreement that includes the fair making a donation to the VFW in return for labor by VFW volunteers at the fair’s beer booth.

“We definitely want the VFW to be involved,” said Borovansky.

The Fair’s foundation board has also discussed ways to improve the fair’s facilities through a capital facility campaign fundraiser. The VFW has been in discussion with the fair regarding a way to potentially participate in the renovation with the hopes that a veteran’s memorial will be included. However, no concrete steps have been taken.

 “We have not fleshed out the details with them quite yet,” said Borovansky.

Borovansky said that any progress regarding the fair’s facility renovation, as well as the potential for a tribute to the veterans, will take place upon the completion of this year’s fair.

The Stanislaus County Fair will run July 10- 19.