February 6, 2026
INDIO, CA — The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Date Festival Scholarship Program following finalist interviews held this weekend. Judges were deeply impressed by the academic achievement, leadership, and community commitment demonstrated by all 16 finalists.
As part of the Fair & Date Fest’s proud 78-year tradition of supporting Riverside County students, ten finalists were named Scholarship Recipients. In a generous show of support, judges Becky Bailey-Findley and Gary Findley contributed an additional $6,000 to the program, allowing the remaining six finalists to be recognized as Scholarship Honorees—ensuring every finalist received a scholarship in recognition of their accomplishments.
“This scholarship program is an investment in Riverside County’s students and the future of our community,” said Chris Pickering, CEO of Pickering Events. “Each year, the interview process reinforces how much talent, heart, and promise exists in our local schools.”
“Programs like the Date Festival Scholarship help open doors for students who are working hard to shape a better future for themselves and our region,” said V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County Supervisor. “It’s inspiring to see local institutions step up year after year to invest in education and opportunity.”
All 16 scholarship recipients and honorees will receive season passes to the 2026 Fair & Date Fest happening February 12 - March 1, and are invited to participate in the Presidents’ Day Parade on Monday, February 16 as honored guests alongside local elected officials and community leaders.
Scholarship Recipients
Bella Barone — Palm Desert — Palm Desert High School
Joanna Bushnell Crist — Indio — La Quinta High School
Preston Ellis — Palm Desert — Palm Desert High School
Emanuel Garcia — Riverside — Ramona High School
Elizabeth Guerra — Indio — Indio High School
Erik Huerta — Mecca — Desert Mirage High School
Paola Miranda — North Shore — Desert Mirage High School
Kaden Ren — Riverside — Martin Luther King High School
Pratham Sanghu — Corona — La Sierra Academy
Ines Yanez — Temecula — Temecula Preparatory School
Scholarship Honorees
Anahi Canseco — Jurupa Valley — Rubidoux High School
Jahzara Dansby — Lake Elsinore — Murrieta Mesa High School
Alexander Diaz — Indio — Indio High School
Mario Irrera — Indio — Indio High School
Rachel Anne Madrid — Aguanga — JCS–Pine Hills High School
Roberto Sanchez — Indio — Indio High School
The Date Festival Scholarship Program is made possible through the continued support of Butler Amusements and Pickering Events. Scholarships are distributed directly to recipients’ colleges or universities, and Scholarship Recipients also receive Season Passes to the 2026 Fair & Date Fest.
The 2026 Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival runs February 12 through March 1. For more information about the Fair & Date Fest, visit datefest.org.