'Claremont Day' Planned for L.A. County Fair to Honor Local Heroes

Each year, the L.A. County Fair honors Community Heroes from 17 surrounding cities during the duration of the Fair.  Thursday, Sept 26, is Claremont Day at the Fair, a day celebrating the community’s volunteers, humanitarians, students, neighbors and organizations who make their city a better place to live.

The day’s festivities include a community reception at the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts at 3:30 p.m., followed by a Community Parade at 5 p.m. A Salute to Heroes presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the Expo Hall 4 Stage.  This year’s Claremont Community Heroes are Axel Garcia, Betty Crocker and Helaine Goldwater.

8-year-old Axel Garcia is an honorary member of the Claremont Kiwanis Club, volunteering at various Kiwanis events with his father.  Last year, Axel came up with the idea to do a toy drive at his school for those less fortunate than him.  

The Salvation Army, US Marine Corps and Toys for Tots programs agreed to support Axel’s toy drive.  Axel created flyers and posted them throughout the city. He was able to secure the NBC 4 double-decker bus and news crew to participate in the toy collection as well.  Ultimately, Axel collected more than 3,000 toys with the help of the Claremont community, Claremont Police Department and local businesses.  Thanks to Axel, more than 250 families received toys for Christmas. His generous spirit and desire to help others truly makes him a community hero.

Adult community hero Betty Crocker works tirelessly to make a difference in the Claremont community.  

When she first moved into Claremont she invited more than 40 of her neighbors to a party, bringing her community together in a fun and memorable way. Since then, Betty has continued to reach out to her neighbors, hosting block parties and other community events. 

Betty also played an influential part in the formation of the neighborhood watch program called Keeping the Good in the Neighborhood (KGNH). KGNH has collected money to help the Inland Valley Humane Society, Claremont High School and the Claremont Police Department. Betty is the glue that keeps KGNH going. Her hospitality, hard work and dedication has brought the community closer together and has enabled others to make a difference.

Senior hero Helaine Goldwater is a dedicated member of the community and has served the city of Claremont for many years. 

She has volunteered in multiple organizations including Meals on Wheels, AYSO, Little League and Claremont school committees. She is the campaign chairperson for two water district campaigns and is a core member of “Yes on Parks and Pastures.” 

She is a member of the Claremont Museum of Art advancement committee, Pilgrim Place advancement committee and is 1st chairman of the Community Emergecy Response Team (CERT). Helaine’s dedication to the many organizations of Claremont reflects her heart for the people in the community. 

To celebrate the accomplishments of these Community Heroes, residents of Claremont are invited to enjoy the Fair for $5 on Sept. 26 when they enter promo code claremont at lacountyfair.com/onlinetickets, print the ticket and bring it with them to the Fair.

To learn more, please visit www.lacountyfair.com.