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published on July 15, 2026 – 3:12 PM
Written by Ben Hensley
The Big Fresno Fair will begin searching for new leadership after CEO Christina Estrada announced her retirement, bringing an end to a more than three-decade career with the organization.
The Fair’s Board of Directors announced Wednesday that Board President Gary Singh Chahil and Vice President Frank Flores will serve as interim co-CEOs while the organization conducts a search for a permanent successor.
Estrada joined the Fair in 1990 and held a variety of leadership roles over the next three decades. She worked under seven CEOs before being named interim CEO in 2023.
In 2024, the Board named her permanent CEO.
During her tenure, Estrada also served as the Fair’s official Spanish-language spokesperson, a position she held for over 20 years, helping expand the organization’s outreach to Fresno County’s diverse communities.
“Christina’s impact on The Big Fresno Fair spans more than three decades of dedicated service to our organization and community,” Chahil said in a news release. “From her early years with the Fair to her time serving as CEO, Christina has brought tremendous knowledge, passion and commitment to every role she has held.”
Flores credited Estrada with helping position the Fair for continued success through her operational knowledge and community focus.
Planning for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair remains on schedule, the organization said. The event will feature 12 nights of concerts, grandstand attractions, a two-day pro rodeo, a demolition derby, monster trucks, and traditional fair exhibits, food and entertainment.
Live horse racing, historically a signature Fair attraction, will not be held during the October event for the second consecutive year. Harness racing is expected to begin separately at the Fresno Fairgrounds in December, pending final state licensing.