Got a flatbed trailer, or two?
Friends of the California State Fair need help to transport the magic of Disney to Cal Expo.
Disney donated the oversize CALIFORNIA letters that used to adorn the entrance to California Adventure, but the gift is stuck in storage in Southern California.
"We are all very excited about the gift," said Norb Bartosik, Cal Expo CEO and general manager.
"But (transportation) is over and above what we budgeted to spend."
Cal Expo has calculated that two flatbed trailers – a 45-footer and a 52-footer – will suffice to carry the 10 letters that weigh more than 8,000 pounds each.
Butler Amusements Inc., provider of the Magical Midway amusement rides at the fair, has offered to help. Butler will donate drivers, fuel and tractors for the 400-mile journey, according to Harry Moos, executive director of Friends of the California State Fair.
Additional fundraising will be required to put the letters on permanent display at Cal Expo, but the main focus is finding the flatbeds.
"The gift is a big deal. It will spell out California in a big way and we don't want to lose the memorabilia to a junk yard. We just need to find the two trailers," said Moos.
Bartosik said the letters must be picked up by the end of September.
Once they are on permanent display, a plaque will mark the history of the Disney donation.
If you have trailers to lend, contact Friends of the State Fair's Moos at (916) 833-9247.
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