Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program

For nearly 28 years, Rex Hime has been a powerful voice on the Cal Expo Board of Directors. He was continuously re-appointed by Governors on both sides of the aisle and was our longest serving board member. While most people love the State Fair, Rex had a special affinity for the yearly event. We will miss his infectious smile, his staple Hawaiian shirts, and the hours he would spend greeting patrons and partners throughout the fairgrounds. On behalf of everyone at Cal Expo and the State Fair, we send our deepest condolences to Rex’s family and many friends.

His family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program.

Friends of the California State Fair
P.O. Box 15649
Sacramento, CA 95852

Tax ID #94-2722656

The Ironstone Concours Foundation/Friends of the California State Fair provides $5,000 to be awarded to one outstanding candidate. In 2022, we recognize the recipient of the Ironstone Concours Foundation/ Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Kevin Cooper.

In Fall 2022, Kevin will be a senior at California State University, Long Beach, in the Hospitality Management program. After 12 years in the hospitality industry, he entered the Hospitality Management program at CSULB.

Kevin has a passion for supporting his community through volunteer work as well as working with local nonprofits. He is also involved in the culinary arts department of his church, providing meals for staff, volunteers, and underserved communities.

Kevin says, “It has been my experience that continuously seeking knowledge is the driving force to me succeeding in college. I believe that it is my time to contribute to the industry by solving current issues and integrating new innovative ideas to sustain within its constant growth.”

Congratulations, Kevin!

The Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program was initiated in 1993 as a collaborative effort of the Friends of the California State Fair, the California Exposition & State Fair and the California State Fair Agricultural Advisory Council.

The Gala dinner sponsors, ticket buyers, and our live and silent auction sponsors provide a majority of the funding for the scholarships.

2019 Scholarship Winner Katherine Brafford

2019 Scholarship Winners

Each year, the Friends of the California State Fair Student Scholarships help our state’s most promising students achieve their goals and realize their dreams by granting scholarships to a broad range of academic studies.

They are presented to college students and graduating high school seniors who exhibit academic excellence, leadership potential, civic accomplishments, and a strong sense of personal commitment to continuing their education.