LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Fair recently held an Appreciation Dinner for fair volunteers and employees. Toni Villanueva of Lakeport and Sally Green of Kelseyville were chosen for the prestigious “Volunteer of the Year” award. Both ladies donated their time and energy at projects benefiting the fairgrounds and were very surprised to receive their awards.
According to fair CEO Debbie Strickler, Toni Villanueva donated many hours throughout the summer assisting within the fair office, in the floriculture building and working on beautification projects on the grounds, and continues to volunteer her time in the after fair wrap-up.
Green’s recognition was based upon her donation of many hours using her own equipment, preparing the horse arena for the fair’s annual horse show and fair’s opening night equestrian event. Sally’s endeavor required her to transport her equipment to and from the fair for a week to create the footing necessary for the different horse show, draft horse and driving classes.
The “Volunteer of the Year” award has been presented periodically since 1993 when the fair’s board of directors and staff want to recognize exemplary volunteerism on the fairgrounds. Recipients are chosen when an individual or individuals voluntarily expends tremendous effort on fairground endeavors without being recruited, cajoled, or compensated for their work. “We are always grateful for each and every volunteer,” said CEO Debbie Strickler.
