WATSONVILLE — After John Kegebein retired as Santa Cruz County Fair manager in 1998, he agreed to lead the burgeoning Agricultural History Project, if only for a “few years.”
But 20 years later, he still serves as the organization’s volunteer CEO.
“I’m still doing it, and I will probably still be doing it until someone throws me out or I die,” Kegebein said.
Kegebein was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award during the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s annual awards dinner Saturday evening at the fairgrounds.
More than 500 people packed the J.J. Crosetti Building for the event, which included a live and silent auction.
Mary Bannister and Harry Wiggins were recognized as this year’s Woman and Man of the Year. They were joined by the Organization of the Year, Pajaro Valley Historical Association, and Business of the Year, Pajaro Valley Printing.
Fire in the Sky, one of Watsonville’s newest happenings, was named Event of the Year.
Harry Wiggins was honored as Man of the Year. (Photos by Erik Chalhoub)
Mary Bannister was recognized as Woman of the Year.
Pajaronian Publisher Jeanie Johnson (from right) congratulates Pajaro Valley Printing’s Dan Carrillo, Nanette Nelms and Sean Parker on receiving Business of the Year.
Airport Director Rayvon Williams (right) introduces airport and city staff who organized Fire in the Sky, the Event of the Year.
Some of the many volunteers of the Pajaro Valley Historical Association stand to be recognized as PVHA was honored with the Organization of the Year award.
Loretta Estrada introduces John Kegebein as the recipient of the chamber’s Lifetime Achievement award.
