Talk up CRFG at the Fair!

Represent CRFG at the San Diego County Fair

Wednesday, June 10 through Sunday, July 5
Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA

As with past years, the San Diego and North San Diego chapters of the California Rare Fruit Growers will run a booth at the fair! We'll be in the garden area outside O'Brien hall, from 11-5 each day the fair is open (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

Stop by for a chat about what you grow or want to grow, and there may even be an opportunity to taste rare fruit at the booth!

The SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR is almost here! As in the past, we will work with the San Diego Chapter of CRFG to host a booth in the Garden Center. It’s a great opportunity to make people aware of California Rare Fruit Growers and invite them to a chapter meeting in the location convenient to them.

We’ll have 2 volunteers for 2 shifts each day the fair is open.

Q: What’s the booth for? What’s there?

At the booth, visitors can taste seasonal fruit (including some rare varieties), view posters of some of the rare things that can be grown here (and where they originate), and get their questions answered. Many like to chat about what they grow or learn what we personally grow. We provide information about our meetings/chapters as well. OPTIONAL: Represent CRFG by buying a t-shirt or hat here!

Q: When is the fair open?

June 10 – July 5, from 11am-10/11pm daily. The fair is closed all Mondays and Tuesdays.

Q: What times are the volunteer shifts?

We will have two shifts each day: 11am to 2pm (opens the booth at 11), and 2pm to 5pm (closes the booth at 5). We need two volunteers for each shift.

Q: What do I do at the booth?

Morning shifts will open the booth and put out the fruit to taste. Afternoon shifts will close the booth, tossing out trash and securing the loose items. Detailed instructions will be provided – it’s easy!

All volunteers will stand or sit behind the booth and answer questions, draw curious/shy people in by asking whether they grow or enjoy rare fruit or by asking if they’d like to try a sample of whatever we have that day, and generally chit-chat with people. We’re NOT experts in all things. We only know what we know. There are also binders of CRFG Fruit Facts to reference.

Q: Where will I park?

As in years past, the Del Mar Horse Park will have paid parking with a free shuttle – volunteers receive a day pass to this lot, so no need to pay.

Q: Why should I volunteer?

• Helps the chapter find new rare fruit growers and puts a friendly face to the hobby

• Opportunity to meet other orchard enthusiasts, share information, and learn something new

• Free fair entrance the day of your shift (you can stay after or show up before your shift to enjoy the fair for free!)

• Free parking at the horse park with shuttle service to the fair.

• It’s fun!

Q: Do I need to be an expert to volunteer?

Absolutely not. It’s more about connecting with people and sharing information about CRFG. If you don’t know an answer to a question, there are references available in the booth and it’s ok to say “I don’t know.”

Q: How can I reserve my volunteer spot(s)?

Carol Graham (NSD member) is graciously organizing the volunteers again this year as she has for many years. Contact Carol:

• By phone (best in the evening hours) at 760-753-6757. Please do not call prior to 8am.

• By email (she checks email daily) at navanax@aol.com

If you reach out by email, please leave a few selections of your shift desires and how many shifts you want to fill. Thanks!