Claremont residents will descend upon the LA County Fair on Thursday, September 26 to party in honor of Claremont Day. Three Claremonters will have extra reason to celebrate this year.

Axel Garcia, Betty Crocker and Helaine Goldwater have been named this year’s Claremont Community Heroes and will be honored in a special “Salute to our Heroes” taking place at 5:30 p.m. in Expo Hall 4.

Axel, 8, is recognized for his efforts in leading a holiday toy drive at his school, Sumner/Danbury Elementary School. Through his efforts, more than 3,000 toys were collected and donated to more than 250 needy families in time for Christmas.

Ms. Crocker has played an integral part in finding ways to keep the community safe. The Keeping the Good in our Neighborhood crime watch, which began under her leadership in her north Claremont neighborhood, is spreading to streets throughout the city. In addition to keeping the community safe, KGNH has helped raise funds for local nonprofits including the Inland Valley Humane Society and the local police department. 

Ms. Goldwater is being honored for her dedicated volunteerism. When it comes to her areas of involvement, the list is lengthy, spanning from Meals on Wheels and the Claremont Museum of Art to AYSO and Little League. She chairs the Pilgrim Place advancement committee, 2 water district campaigns and is the first chairman of the Community Emergency Response Team.  Ms. Goldwater, along with her other community heroes, will take some time off on September 26 for a little recognition, beginning with a community reception at the Millard Sheets Center for the Arts at 3:30 p.m. and continuing with a community parade at 5 p.m. before the “Salute Our Heroes” ceremony.

Claremont residents are invited to join in on the festivities. Admission for Claremont residents on Claremont Day will be reduced to $5 when you enter “Claremont” at lacountyfair.com/onlinetickets. For more information, visit www.lacountyfair.com.