Madera District Fair and MUSD
By Tim Riché, Teacher on Special Assignment, Work Experience Supervisor
AS THE 2019 Madera District Fair came to a close and the smell of the corn dogs faded, the fair has once again benefited our community. It is a uniquely rewarding partnership that many fairs share with local school districts, but the partnership with Madera Unified students is exceptionally strong.
Many of our students show animals through 4H, others create artwork and showcase their photography. The 3rd graders at Sierra Vista all won a first place ribbon because each of them showcased a 3D model of California entirely constructed with different beans. But the Career Technical Education (CTE) courses have become even more of a feature at the fair.
FFA students not only raise and show animals but the students also get to showcase some of the items they have built in the shop. From trailers to BBQ grills, the students have the opportunity to let others see what they can fabricate. The patient work of building something or raising an animal starts many months before the fair. The Madera Future Farmers of America Chapter is honored to be part of the Madera Fair; the opportunity for our hard work to be on display for our community to admire shows what we are all about,” said Merary Hernandez FFA Chapter Reporter.
Madera District Fair has won numerous awards and is a pioneer in its third year, featuring Tech Town. The area was right by the main entrance to the fairgrounds and has grown into one of the most popular attractions. Beside showcasing all the awards and the 2019 World Championship Robot, Madtown Robotics famed robot 1323 has grown the area into a technology showcase. Fortnite competitions, Virtual Reality Games and smaller interactive robots, with which children can play, also fill up the venue. The Madtown Robotics students and advisors worked all the attractions and sold drinks to help raise much needed funds.
“Our partnership with Madera Unified’s CTE Program is important because it provides fairgoers with the ability to experience both long standing traditions and advancements in technology through their interactions with some amazing students!” said Barbara Leach Events Coordinator for the Madera District Fair. This year was particularly meaningful since robot #1323 had won the high school robotics world championship title last April in Houston, TX and will compete again next year to tighten its mechanical grip on the coveted crown.
