2025
Date Festival
Scholarship Program

About the Program

Every February, the Riverside County Fairgrounds is transformed into the home of Southern California’s greatest annual winter event. World famous for its uniqueness, the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is one of the largest single events in the Greater Palm Springs area.

Applicants are part of part of a 75-year tradition. A BIG thank you to Butler Amusements and Pickering Events for providing $20,000 to be distributed to the colleges of the ten winners, receiving $2,000 each to pursue studies beyond high school. Winners will also receive a season pass to the Date Fest.

Eligibility

This scholarship is now open to all residents of Riverside County who are high school seniors in the Class of 2025, with a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0 (unweighted). All eligible submissions will be reviewed, and finalists notified no later than Friday, January 26.

Requirements

1. The Date Festival Scholarship Application on this page
2. A 500-word essay on the topic: “The Importance of Community”
3. Unofficial Transcripts grades/transcripts; including unweighted cumulative GPA from the attendance office–Official Transcripts must be received before award
4. School identification card

Determination of Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship finalists will be chosen based on the aforementioned items. AI generated essays are not allowed and all essays will be checked.Recipients of the Scholarship will be chosen from the finalists based on an interview with a judging panel. This interview will be conducted via Zoom during the pre-scheduled time frames. Interview questions will relate to the student’s essay, school transcript, aspirations, and basic knowledge regarding the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival.

Submission

All applications and additional documentation are due no later than Monday, January 20 at 11:59 p.m. The copy of your student identification card and transcripts may be submitted electronically to: scholarships@datefest.org. Unofficial transcripts need to be submitted by January 20 at 11:59 p.m. if official transcripts cannot be provided by that time, but official transcripts must be received before a scholarship can be awarded. Official transcripts in a sealed envelope may be delivered in person to the Fairgrounds office or sent electronically from the high school.

If selected to receive a scholarship, you will be required to sign a Date Fest photo release form and participate in one promotional event during the 2025 Fair and National Date Festival presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino(February 13 to March 2).

Important Dates

January 20 (Monday) before 11:59 p.m. - All documents and essays submitted to the Riverside County Fairgrounds office and/or scholarships@datefest.org

January 24 (Friday) - Finalists will be notified via email and required to schedule a zoom interview during the times provided

February 1 (Saturday) morning and February 2 (Sunday) afternoon - Zoom Interviews for Finalists

February 5 (Wednesday) - Scholarship winners will be posted on the Riverside County Fair and & National Date Festival website

February 13 to March 2: Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino - Come and celebrate with your family and friends!

Submission and Contact Information

Email: scholarships@datefest.org

Phone Number: (760) 863-8247

Mailing Address: Riverside County Fairgrounds