Salene Duarte鈥檚 experience with the Santa Clara County Fair began at age 9, when she showed her first sheep as a 4-H Club member.
Over the years as a fairgrounds volunteer and consultant, Duarte鈥檚 roles included reviewing and formatting entry books, overseeing barn layouts, managing livestock operations, organizing home arts exhibits, and coordinating awards and judging.
This extensive background in all things county fair-related led to Duarte鈥檚 appointment last month as executive director of the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation.
As a staff member, Duarte served as the Santa Clara County Fair manager until June 2024. She was then appointed co-interim director alongside Armando Carlos, stepping into the permanent position on June 1.
鈥淢y vision is to create a place where others can build lasting memories like I did,鈥 Duarte says, recalling winning her first Grand Champion title with her steer, Shiloh, as a high school member of the Future Farmers of America. 鈥淚 remember the nerves and excitement of showing my first lamb and the pride I felt when my steer won champion honors鈥攁 moment I鈥檒l never forget.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I want to offer: a welcoming home for our community, a hub where everyone can celebrate what matters to them鈥攖hrough festivals, expos, sports and more鈥攊n a way that鈥檚 meaningful and memorable.鈥
Duarte takes her work home with her to the East San Jose foothills, where she and her husband, a high school agriculture teacher, run a 100-acre cattle operation with a focus on raising and selling high-quality show calves to local youth for county fairgrounds competitions.
She comes by her passion honestly. Duarte was born and raised in Campbell, where her mother鈥檚 family owned and operated a trucking business, hauling fruits, nuts and vegetables throughout the valley.
鈥淪alene鈥檚 deep-rooted passion for the fairgrounds is evident through her history,鈥 Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation Board Chair Vicky Bosworth said in a release. 鈥淪he brings a wealth of experience, a clear vision for the future and an open mind ready to embrace new ideas.鈥
So far, these new ideas have included transitioning the fair to a virtual format during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. As fair manager, Duarte worked to revitalize the fairgrounds by introducing youth and open livestock shows, reactivating underutilized spaces and leading the return of a 10-day county fair in 2023鈥攖he first in over 20 years.
Under her leadership, the fairgrounds expanded its agriculture education programming to include livestock exhibits, competitive displays, historical presentations and the establishment of the Junior Livestock Auction Buyers Coalition.
When asked what she loves most about the fairgrounds, Duarte鈥檚 responds: 鈥渢he smile on people鈥檚 faces as they enjoy the magic of this place.鈥
The Santa Clara County Fair is set for July 30-Aug. 3 at the fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road in San Jose. For more information, visit https://www.thefairgrounds.org/events/santa-clara-county-fair-2025.