For the first time in Butte County history, the California State Fair booth won Best Special Effects in addition to Gold Medal honor.
Since 1986, only five California State Fair Gold Awards have been received by Butte County. Four of these occured under the creative direction of Debra Lucero in conjunction with builder/designer Richard Bay of Sacramento. Lucero has contracted with Butte County for the past seven years to administer its cultural tourism program.
“Bartholomew Butte” a puppet-like creature reappeared this year during the annual Counties Exhibits Competition, featured at the 155th California State Fair, which ran until September 1.
The “Hollywood” theme prompted “Bartholomew” to become Errol Flynn to represent the 1938 movie classic Robin Hood, which was filmed in Bidwell Park and starred Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. But Bartholomew wasn’t the one who stole the show. It was definitely the talking Hooker Oak tree that won the judges hearts. The tree bids all those close enough to “come on in and hear the green stories of Butte County.”
Apparently, the judges listened and liked what they heard.
“Each year we try to be creative and innovative in hopes of drawing in the throngs of people who visit the state fair,” Says Lucero, who is the Butte County Cultural Tourism Director.
