Jackson – For the second consecutive year, Amador County will walk away with major prizes for its California State Fair exhibit thanks to the hard work of builders Kam Merzlak, Doug Westcott and Kurt Todden. Amador County was awarded one of only a handful of gold ribbons and Merzlak’s team won Best Design. The latter award was especially impressive considering stiff competition from other counties and six or seven exhibits constructed by set builders from Universal Studios. Fairgoers are going wild for the exhibit, which consists of a replica of the famous Kennedy Mine headframe and a turning tailing wheel. As if that weren’t impressive enough, the exhibit also includes a running stream and an animatronic gold miner panning for gold. “The more eye-catching it is, the more people will stop,” said Merzlak. So realistic was the display that some judges were convinced Merzlak himself was animated when he made a 90-second presentation on Amador County from atop the 18-foot high headframe replica. Merzlak said visitors have been so interested in the exhibit and what Amador County has to offer that they have already handed out literature to over 1000 people. “We wanted to replicate the Kennedy Mine experience for visitors to the Fair, and I think we succeeded,” said Merzlak. Financial backing for the project was provided in part by the Board of Supervisors, Stan Lukowicz, the Sutter Creek Promotions Committee, Sue Underwood, Sharyn Brown and Debbie Dunn. The Amador County Kennedy Mine exhibit will be on display at the State Fair until Monday, September 7. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.