The San Mateo County Fair Takes Home Twenty-Six Western Fairs Association Awards SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Mateo County Fair, known for excellence in cutting edge innovation, technology, culture and art, has once again earned top honors at the Western Fairs Association Annual Achievement Awards program. The Fair, themed Where Tradition Meets Innovation, took home top honors in twenty-six categories, including fifteen first place awards. "More than ever the success of the fair is due to our innovative mix of technology and education based exhibits and vendors, high-end entertainment value and most of all teamwork," says Chris Carpenter, General Manager of the San Mateo Event Center. Our board of directors is committed to bringing a unique perspective that elevates the hard work of our entire staff. The results are evident in the Western Fairs Association awards we've been awarded. Needless to say we are excited by the endorsement of being a top fair in California. Our sponsors and partners played a big role in our success and some of them include: BlackBerry™ Playbook© Mobile Tour, US Tennis Association, Walmart Game Center, Congresswoman Jackie Speier's 'Make It In America' and our Emergency Preparedness Day sponsored by San Mateo County Supervisor Adrienne Tissier, plus numerous media partners. Butler Amusements, a locally owned family business, which handled our carnival and midway games, had an exceptional fair and joins us in our goal to provide quality and value friendly family entertainment. Carpenter also cites the addition of new season passes which allowed the community more visits at a lower price. "We are extremely pleased with the continued evolution of the San Mateo County Fair," says Carpenter. Our goal is to give the highest entertainment value in the region for the entire family. The 2010 WFA first-place awards were presented to the San Mateo County Fair in the following categories: First Place - Television Advertising First Place - Viral or Video Documentation First Place - Best New Promotion First Place - Best New Idea This Year First Place - Best New Competition First Place - New Conservation Program / Being Green First Place - Radio Advertising First Place - Marketing Campaign First Place - Outdoor Advertising First Place - Show us your Best First Place - Any Other Advertising Displayed in Print First Place - Any Other Printed Piece Second Place - Photo of an Unusual Entry Second Place - New Featured Event, Exhibit or Program Second Place - New Community Outreach Program Second Place - Competitive Exhibit Handbook Second Place - Theme Program Second Place - Non‐Fair Event Sponsored by the Fairgrounds Second Place - Website Second Place - Newsletter / E‐blast Second Place - Show us your Best Third Place - Newspaper Advertising Third Place - Poster The 78th annual San Mateo County Fair will be held June 9-17, 2012. The Western Fairs Association is a 150-member trade association representing fairs in the Western United States and Canada. The WFA Annual Achievement Awards Program recognizes excellence in the fair industry and provides a forum for fairs to share successful ideas and programs. SOURCE The San Mateo County Fair