MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR TO INCLUDE SPECIAL HALL OF INNOVATION

Thomas L. Friedman, the Pulitzer prize-winning New York Times journalist, wrote last year regarding America’s future, “We might be able to stimulate our way back to stability, but we can only invent our way back to prosperity.”  Inspired by his words and the importance of stimulating creativity in everyone, the Monterey County Fair has promoted innovation all throughout the year.  Before Home Shopping Network, QVC, and chain stores, the County Fair was the ideal place to showcase a new invention (think Veg-o-matics and Ant Farms). The Monterey County Fair is pleased to bring back that beloved tradition with its not-to-be-missed Hall of Innovation.

The Monterey County Fair’s first ever Hall of Innovation will feature a wide array of exhibits that celebrate inventions and creativity. Inspired by the Fair theme based on the Jo Mora book, Chippie de Munk: The Great Inventor, the Fair will amaze its 70,000 plus attendees with exciting exhibits highlighting selected inventions and new technologies.

The Hall of Innovation, located adjacent to the Payton Garden Stage, will be powered by locally owned Solar Technologies and the sun, the green sponsor that will also have several seminars and a display about solar energy. On display will be the innovative TRIAC, a 3-wheel electric car produced by Green Vehicles. There will also be an exhibit on Space Technology with special appearances by American astronauts from the Naval Postgraduate School. Currently, Astronaut Dan Bursch will make a special appearance at the Hall of Innovation on Wednesday, September 1st from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Thursday, September 2nd from 10:00 AM – Noon, Friday, September 3rd from 10:00 AM to Noon. Astronaut Jim Newman will make a special appearance at the Hall of Innovation on Thursday, September 2nd from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, and on Saturday, September 4th (appearance times subject to change).

Other exhibits will focus on innovations in video surveillance by ProTech, auto stereos by Marina Auto Stereo, computer history by Yippie Computers, hearing aid technology by Monterey Hearing and Balance Center, green building by Ausonio Incorporated, solar & wind energy by the Stanford Solar & Wind Energy Project, a display about energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy generation by Zilowatt, electricity by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 234, and more!

Courtesy of the Jo Mora Trust (www.jomoratrust.com), the theme artwork of the Fair was created by beloved local artist and author, Jo Mora, who lived in Carmel and Pebble Beach from 1876-1947. In tribute to the theme, the Fair also created a special “Chippie’s Invention Program” for students in local schools and made it a recurring element throughout many facets of the Fair’s Competitive Entries.

The 2010 Monterey County Fair takes place September 1st – September 6th. For additional Fair information or to purchase Presale Admission Tickets and Carnival Wrist Bands online, visit www.montereycountyfair.com.