The Morning Star Packing Company Livestock Pavilion is the new name for the junior livestock pavilion at the Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos. The name change gives recognition for an extensive pavilion renewal.
Thanks to The Morning Star Packing Company, a durable concrete pad now covers the entire pavilion. The buckling, deteriorating old rubber mats that lined the walkways are gone. Including the pens, the entire pavilion has one even concrete surface.
With better drainage and much easier to keep clean, the beautiful new floor will be enjoyed by FFA members, 4-Hers and fairgoers for years to come. Fair Director Cinnamon Howell explains, “The concrete pad is cleaner and safer. The old rubber mats were beginning to buckle [and] soon become a potential trip hazard.”
The concrete floor was the brainchild of the Heritage Foundation. Board members Pat Gallichio and Jason Bretz approached Hans Younce who has done outreach at The Morning Star Company for many years.
Younce saw the pavilion project as another great opportunity for Morning Star to help the community. The grant to the Heritage Foundation for refurbishing the pavilion floor was put in motion.
When the Heritage Foundation grant was approved, time became an important factor. The building needed completion for the 2025 Spring Fair.
Younce explains, “Pouring the concrete was a massive project. The pavilion required 21,240 square feet of concrete. Starting at 1 a.m., 44 cement trucks brought in wet material.”
After the concrete set, the bleachers for the pig and sheep and goat show rings were returned and put in place. As a much-needed bonus, Morning Star contributed additional bleachers near the sheep and goat ring.
Younce remarks, “Spectators surely will appreciate the added seating. The pavilion concrete pad gives youth a nice, safe, clean place to pen and show their animals. The Morning Star Packing Company is happy to support projects in the community.”
The base rock for the project was donated by Greg Hostetler, owner of Ranchwood Construction and Stonefield Home in memory of his late wife, Cathie. Their son-in-law, Ron Brandt. was director of the fair in Los Banos for 27 years.
Hostetler tells how Cathie loved the Spring Fair. She got excited buying animals at the Junior Livestock Auction. She loved the fair food and seeing all the exhibits. She requested that Hostetler continue supporting the fair, and he is glad to do it.
According to Hostetler, “The Spring Fair is the best in California.” His connection to the fair goes back to the 1950’s when his family moved to Los Banos. He remembers, “I showed 4-H animals in the ring way back then.”
The Merced County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to change the name of the Spring Fair Livestock Pavilion to The Morning Star Packing Company Livestock Pavilion. According to the resolution, this change is made in recognition of Morning Star’s dedication to the community and its longstanding support of the Spring Fair.
According to Younce, “Among its community service activities, The Morning Star Company grants scholarships annually to FFA members at many area high schools. They present Ag Days at elementary schools where students learn about local farm products, especially tomatoes.”
Younce adds, “The Morning Star Packing Company supports many activities to the community.”
Additionally, The Morning Star Packing Company, with help from Hotel Mission De Oro and Yosemite Farm Credit, is replacing the marque at the front of the fairgrounds in Los Banos. The electronic marquee will be used to promote events.
According to Younce, “The digital sign also can be for advertising which could bring in a little extra income for the fairgrounds.”
Younce gives many positive comments about the fair in Los Banos. He talks about the variety of events at the Spring Fair. He adds that the enthusiasm of the community makes it a favorite of the area fairs supported by Morning Star.
Regarding the large donation, Younce explains, “It is a big donation, but more than 500 4-Hers and FFA members show animals each year. Add their parents and community. So many people benefit.”
Younce concludes, “Now cleaner and safer, the pavilion upgrade helps to make a great fair an even better one.”
Fair Director Howell commends, “This pavilion dream project would not have been possible without the generous support of The Morning Star Packing Company.”
