Educational Farm Coming To Alameda County Fairgrounds

PLEASANTON, CA — The Alameda County Fairgrounds are often thought of as a place of concerts and Ferris wheels, but soon, it will also be a place to learn about the wonders of the natural world.

On Wednesday, the Alameda County Fairgrounds will break ground on phase one of a new state-of-the-art agricultural education facility known as The Farm. Located in the heart of the fairgrounds, the two-acre facility will offer students and the public immersive, hands-on experiences with crops, livestock, and agriculture ecosystems. It will feature a modern barn, cows, hens, a horse paddock, pollinator gardens, a greenhouse, indoor classrooms with a kitchen, and outdoor kitchen and dining area, solar canopies, and more. Students and visitors will be able to learn about animal and plant science, the latest advancements in agriculture technology, engineering and innovation, renewable energy, water conservation, and more.

At 11 a.m. Wednesday, Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association CEO Jerome Hoban will speak, along with the Alameda County Fair Board President and several supporters.

The Fair Foundation has already raised over $2 million to kickstart phase one, and the project has been sponsored by Safeway, Fremont Bank, Butler Amusements, Black Tie Transportation Worldwide, Rotary Club of Livermore, Hayward Rotary Club, the Wente Family, and several Alameda County District Supervisors.

"Breaking ground on The Farm is a meaningful milestone for all of our supporters," Valerie Shirk, Executive Director of the Alameda County Fair Foundation, said in a statement. "We’ve received major gifts and contributions from many local organizations and individuals, but we are not stopping now. Phase two of the project will focus on important components of The Farm, including ways to showcase local crops and an outdoor kitchen and gathering space.”

To learn more and donate, visit alamedacountyfair.com/the-farm.

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