Teacher Wins Best of Show at Big Fresno Fair
A longtime local exhibitor took home top honors for her homemade goods at this year’s fair.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Awards
Sarah Soghomonian, a teacher at Sanger West High School, earned a Best of Show award for her homemade raisin bars at the Big Fresno Fair. She also secured first place awards for her entries of homegrown raisins and quince.
Why it matters
The annual competition at the Big Fresno Fair recognizes local excellence in baking and agriculture, celebrating the community tradition of creative and domestic crafts.
Sarah Soghomonian has participated in the Big Fresno Fair for 33 years, having first entered the competition at nine years old. Her entries this year included baked goods and home-grown produce.
The players
Sarah Soghomonian
A digital arts and media teacher at Sanger West High School who has competed in the Big Fresno Fair for over three decades.
Big Fresno Fair
An annual community event in Fresno that hosts competitive exhibitions for local residents to showcase baking, produce, and artistic talents.
The details
Soghomonian, who teaches digital arts and media at Sanger West High School, has been submitting entries since 1993. Her current success follows decades of active participation in fair categories ranging from baked goods to household table settings.
Timeline
1993: Sarah Soghomonian first entered the Big Fresno Fair.
2026: Soghomonian won awards at the Big Fresno Fair.
Culture Shift
The tradition of competing in county fairs remains a cornerstone of local community identity in California. This award highlights the enduring nature of generational hobbies in an era increasingly dominated by digital activities.
Residents interested in participating in future competitions can look to the Big Fresno Fair schedules to prepare their own baked goods or produce entries. The success of longtime exhibitors encourages new participants to join the community tradition by submitting their crafts or homegrown items.
The takeaway
Maintaining a hobby over decades can lead to mastery and local recognition within a community. Readers can implement this by seeking out local competition opportunities that align with their personal interests or skills.
Further reading
For more highlights from local events, browse the latest Awards news for the area.
