LANCASTER – Drew Mercy, Angie Hughes and Gus Camacho have been added to the Antelope Valley Fair Association’s Board of Directors.
Mercy is a graduate of Quartz Hill High School and the University of California, Davis. He works locally as a Taxpayer Advocate and Senior Advisor to Board of Equalization Member George Runner. He has long been involved with the community and is a Past President of the Antelope Valley Board of Trade and the Antelope Valley Jaycees. His current and past community roles include the Lancaster Architecture and Design Commission, the Antelope Valley College Measure R Oversight Committee and the Citizens’ Advisory Committee for the State Prison in Lancaster.
“Having grown up in 4-H, taking animals to auction, I know what a great life and learning experience the Fair provides for families,” Mercy stated in a press release. “I’m looking forward to working hard to ensure the Antelope Valley Fair continues to be a great success in all its programs so that we can provide fun, entertainment and education for Antelope Valley families.”
Hughes relocated to the Antelope Valley from the San Francisco Bay Area 22 years ago. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing from San Francisco State University. Hughes has worked at several hospitals in the valley, including Antelope Valley Hospital, and is currently employed at Advanced Dermatology/LA Laser Center in Palmdale. Hughes volunteers with the Westside Union School District, Girl Scouts, Quartz Hill High School Swim Boosters and Cheer Boosters, and has held numerous PTA positions at local units, as well as with the North Antelope Valley Council. Hughes is a member of Zonta International and is the Treasurer of the AV 4H Leaders’ Council.
“I am very honored to have been selected to serve as a Fair Association Director,” Hughes stated in a press release. “I am excited to be a part of an organization that has been so successful in planning events which are cutting edge yet still maintain our valley’s traditions.”
Camacho was born and raised in the Antelope Valley. He attended Yucca Elementary, Juniper Junior High and Paraclete High School. After receiving his business degree at Pepperdine University, he returned to the Antelope Valley to help lead the family business. He is President and CEO of the Camacho Auto Group, which includes Camacho Auto Sales, Camacho Mitsubishi, King of Credit Financial and Dollar Rent A Car. Camacho is an active in the community, serving of having served on several boards, including Lancaster West Rotary, AV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, AV Board of Trade, AV College Education Foundation, AV Sheriff Boosters, and the American Heart Association. He also serves on the board of directors of the Independent Auto Dealers Association of California and serves as a delegate representing California for the National Independent Auto Dealers Association.
“The AV Fair has always been the center in our community that has brought our different cultures and diversities together,” Camacho stated in a press release. “I look forward [to] serving the board by continuing its traditions and helping add new ones.”
The 11-member A.V. Fair Association Board of Directors is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fair and for the planning and production of the annual Antelope Valley Fair and Alfalfa Festival. Criteria for Fair Board members include a commitment to dedicated service, excellence, and ethical standards that ensure the continuance of the A.V. Fairgrounds and its’ facilities.
Board terms revolve every four years, and Directors whose terms are up can reapply. The Association members are appointed by the Joint Powers Authority responsible for the oversight of the fairgrounds. The Antelope Valley Fair Joint Powers of Authority was established in 2011 and allows the AV Fair to operate free of the constraints created by state bureaucracy. The goal in forming a JPA with closer ties to local government is to enable the AV Fair to operate more efficiently and with greater flexibility.
Other members of the A.V. Fair Association Board of Directors are: Tim Fuller, President, Howard Harris, Vice President; Deana Ward; Ron Emard; Sandy Smith; Raj Malhi, Newton Chelette and Mark Troth.
Mark says
Lived here all my life. Loved the fair but will never go to the new fair. Of course I go to the gun show but that’s all about freedom, and there’s no medal detectors at the gate, hmm wonder why that is?
The fair is a hoodlum convention.
Steve says
The Fair and Fairgrounds has turned into a joke. The old Fairgrounds had class, new nothing, someone made a bunch of money off the sale of the old. I would to see a investigation of the sale of the old and purchase of the new, the whole picture stinks. With a little luck Sir Rex will spend time over this issue.
Stinger says
Clearly a who’s who of the far right wing of the AVRA and Parris’ little minions.
Kind of explains why just about everything at the AV Fair is outrageously priced.
Mark says
I was not aware Gus was a local kid..
Cool!