a cultural affair: mid-winter festivities bring art, ag, and families together

edited by sarina e. guerra

After leaving the local fair’s live auction on the morning of March 15, I knew it would be my last visit until possibly next year. But this year felt different. People’s Press is just starting, becoming more official by the day, and naturally, people need to know about it. And what better place to spread the word than The California Mid-Winter Fair?

The fair is a big deal here in the Imperial Valley, probably as big as any other celebration. It gave fellow team member, Sarina, and me a chance to connect with new people and be a part of something memorable in this community. We even got our first official press passes. Thank you to Bill Gay for helping us get this started! I’m grateful this fair exists, and I’m glad for some of the things that exist in it.

[Photo by Justin Orsino]

There is a lot to say about the California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta, and it’s not about this year’s Mardi Gras theme or the fact that it isn’t winter anymore. What I mean is, every resident here has a memory of that stretch of land in Imperial and mostly good ones I imagine. Most of us likely start experiencing this fair when we’re children, if we’re blessed. And none of this would be possible without…

Let’s be real, everything is a little more expensive now, and the Mid-Winter Fair is no exception. Prices ticked up, businesses need to find new ways to stay afloat, and some take advantage of these trends, but the parents of this Valley manage to find a way. They juggle bills, tighten budgets, and still give their sons and daughters a time they will always remember and pass down to their children. So, I give my thanks to you parents for your sacrifices, and may your pockets be filled up once again.

As I said, this is a big fair that offers more than just family outings, food, and entertainment. It’s home to a lively cultural experience, a long-standing tradition of raising and showcasing livestock. For the youth who have the space, willingness to learn, and funds to participate, this is their moment. I own three small birds, and the worst trouble they give me is getting stuck in tight spaces or flying outside. But a big, hungry, smelly mammal? That’s another story. Maybe I can handle a rabbit.

[Photo by Sarina E. Guerra]

I respect these kids and their animals immensely. This is the other side of agriculture that keeps the world turning. Without cows, pigs, rabbits, and goats, what would the fair even be? That said, as a bird person, I have to admit, I miss the chickens. A little piece of the fair was lost for me this year. But the mammals were well-behaved and understood the assignment, aside from Diana the goat that definitely intentionally coughed in Sarina’s eye.

[Video by Sarina E. Guerra]

Another favorite and an essential part of the fair experience were the artists, whose work was displayed in several locations, most notably the Plaza De Las Culturas building where a variety of creative embodiments were stationed for everyone in the Imperial Valley to witness. Thought-provoking, surreal pieces depicted farmworkers as wind-up toys, while bold, inspirational messages shared space with fan art from the YouTube series Helluva Boss. But the artistic expression didn’t stop at paintings, photography, house plants, and denim jackets adorned with patches, which added layers to the showcase.

Just across the way, the Preble building housed local organizations like the police department, IID, and Innercare which hosted their own booths. But in one of the corners, a different kind of presentation was open for all to witness—the fair’s daily mini-muralist. Each day, these artists brought a new vision to life in real-time. Their live murals, later displayed along the fair’s walkways, captured unique moments, emotions, and themes that embodied the spirit of the event. One of my favorite local artists, Annaka Penner-Smith, was scheduled for March 12 and it was incredible seeing her create right in front of me.

And how can I talk about artists without also mentioning another form of art? The musicians. Every day at the fair, a new act performed at one of their stages near the entrance at Innercare Palm Stage, or closer to the rides at the Mechanics Bank Center Stage, filling the air with their sound waves. Many performances featured old favorites and timeless classics, unknowingly creating a soundtrack to the fair. The Thump Records booth, which I always appreciate, kept things lively by selling CDs and flash drives of Latin oldies, including my personal favorite from the label, the Circus Disco compilation albums. At one point, one woman was rolling around on a piano with wheels, playing mellow pop through the fairgrounds like a one-person parade. There were country tributes to Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, and Toby Keith on one night, and alternative rock the next. Yachty by Nature played 70’s and 80’s soft rock hits at night, while a No Doubt cover band played on a breezy Saturday afternoon. Their name?

Speaking of rock, actual rocks were on display at the Imperial Valley Gem & Mineral Society’s exhibit at their designated building, exciting Sarina and I at every turn. She was amazed at how each unique stone shimmered in the light and I couldn’t get over the idea that ancient fossils were right in front of our eyes. It was insane.

The gold panners, geode hunters, and other rockhounds were great to speak to and learn from as they spoke about how they search for their earthly treasures. It was a quieter part of the fair, but was fascinating to look at everything on display knowing these natural wonders had formed over thousands of, sometimes many more, years ago.

[Video by Sarina E. Guerra]

But live music and sparkly minerals were just small pieces of the fair’s immersive atmosphere. I never knew what I’d run into next. One moment, we were on our way to say goodbye to a friend when a magician appeared suddenly in the doorway to Preble stage, to our amusement. And as I was walking to the parking lot on my last night, I had the pleasure of witnessing a lovely couple get engaged at a Western-style photo booth. It wasn’t Disneyland, but in its own way, it’s a magic that makes us genuinely smile, appreciate our connectedness, and feel like we are part of something greater. Seeing how all the rides and signs were lit up while passing down Imperial Avenue was a sight to see every night for the past two weeks. And with that, I thank those behind the 45th District Agricultural Association (DAA) and the Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta, for continuing to create these very human moments and memories that bring us closer together. Looking forward to next year!

Justin Orsino

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