Fair Facts
Information about the
California State Fair &
California Fairs,
Festivals &
Celebrations
Fair Facts
Information about the California State Fair &
California Fairs, Festivals & Celebrations
NETWORK OF 78 CALIFORNIA FAIRS
52 District Agricultural Associations
23 County/Non-Profit Fairs
2 Citrus Fruit Fairs
California Exposition & State Fair
GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
State Government
• California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) - A state agency responsible for the oversight of California’s
agricultural industry, including the network of California fairs.
• Division of Fairs and Expositions (F&E) - Under the CDFA, provides fiscal and policy oversight of the network of
California fairs and ensures the best use of available funding and services.
• California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) - Regulates pari-mutuel wagering, to promote the horse racing and
breeding industries, and to maximize State of California tax revenues. CHRB provides regulatory oversight to six
privately owned race tracks, nine racing fairs, and twenty simulcast-only facilities.
• District Agricultural Association (DAA) - Holds fairs, expositions, and exhibitions to highlight various industries,
enterprises, resources, and products of the state. Each DAA is governed by a nine-member board of directors
appointed to staggered terms by the Governor.
• California Exposition and State Fair (Cal Expo) - A state agency in Sacramento responsible for holding the annual
California State Fair, expositions and exhibitions to highlight various industries, enterprises, resources, and products
of the state. Governed by an eleven-member board of directors appointed by the Governor.
County Government or Not-for-Profit
• County Fairs - Holds fairs to highlight a county’s natural and agricultural resources. Generally operated by a board
of directors through a contract with the County Board of Supervisors or other local government.
• Citrus Fruit Fairs - Holds annual fairs to celebrate the citrus fruit harvest. Like DAAs, Citrus Fruit Fairs are State
institutions, but operate as non-profit corporations.
3
CALIFORNIA FAIRS - STATEWIDE ECONOMIC IMPACTS (Reported 2009)
The economic impact of fairs consists of attendees’ spending at the fair and interim events, spending by the fair
organizations, and indirect and induced impacts created by the fair’s spending. Indirect and induced spending are
secondary ripple effect impacts, occurring as the initial direct spending moves through suppliers, vendors, payrolls
and other subsequent spending. The total economic impact on the State of California for 2009 in terms of estimated
spending, income, jobs and public tax revenue:
Spending Impact:
$2.85 billion in spending
Employment Impact:
25,223 full-time equivalent jobs
Income Impact:
$856 million in wages
Tax Impact:
$127 million in state and local tax revenue
In addition to these economic benefits, fairs offer communities a place to gather, celebrate their heritage and reward one
another for their accomplishments through competition and public recognition. Fairs also provide community groups
with fundraising opportunities.
The network of California fairs is an economic, social and cultural bonanza that enriches the lives of Californians from
every background and walk of life. California’s fair network dates back to before the Civil War as a way to advance public
knowledge of agriculture and provide a community gathering place. That tradition continues to this day, but with modern
innovations that bring home the importance and reality of agriculture to an urban population that may have little contact
with farms, ranches and agri-businesses. The fair experience is a memorable one. Families mark their calendars and clear
their schedules for fair time. Whether they simply attend to enjoy the exhibits, food and entertainment, or participate in
competitions, fair memories last a life time. Young people, especially, cherish the fun of the carnival, the awe and curiosity
inspired by exhibits, and the pride of competing in junior livestock events. Fairs are for everyone, but fairs and children
are a magical mix. Fairs also bring out the best qualities in people.
Fairs provide individuals with opportunities to volunteer their services. From serving sodas at a charitable group’s booth
to acting as a docent for an agricultural exhibit, fairs allow people to give a little in order to receive the bigger reward
of a healthier and more vibrant community. At the Orange County Fair, for example, 65 volunteers provide more than
4,000 hours per year to staff the popular Centennial Farm exhibit.
The annual fair is just one of many year-round activities for fair organizations. They must facilitate use of the fairgrounds
for interim events sponsored by community groups and private entities as well as manage ongoing maintenance and
capital improvement projects. As a result, the fair network creates the opportunity for small- to medium-sized businesses
and nonprofit community groups to make money from these year-round activities. These interim events further boost
jobs, incomes and tax revenues in every county throughout the state. While the California fair network makes it possible
for this economic activity to occur, it must be emphasized that fair organizations are public, not-for-profit entities that
exist to promote industries of the state and provide a community gathering place. They do not receive state general fund
monies in support of these efforts, but receive their state funding through a special account.
4
FAIR FUNDING SOURCES
While the California fair network makes it possible for this economic activity to occur, it must be emphasized that fair
organizations are public, not-for-profit entities that exist to promote industries of the state and provide a community
gathering place. They do not receive state general fund monies, but receive their state funding through a special
account.
TAX DOLLARS ARE NOT USED TO SUPPORT ANY OF THE CALIFORNIA FAIRS.
In 1933, the California Horse Racing Act legalized pari-mutuel betting and established a special account for continuous
state funding of fairs from a portion of the receipts. Through out California there are 7 fairs that feature live horse
racing and 15 fairs that house Satellite Wagering Facilities for spectators to place their bets. Today, the fair network
receives approximately $30 million annually from receipts of pari-mutuel horse racing activities. These monies are
spread among the fair network to help offset operating costs and infrastructure needs. The amount each fair receives
is based on their annual operating budget. Small fair organizations receive a greater percentage of their budget in state
support than do larger fairs. This staggered funding takes into account the fair organization’s ability to generate enough
revenue to be self-sustaining. Regardless of size, all fair organizations augment their operating budgets with revenues
received through their year-round events and activities including revenues from admissions, parking, food, concessions,
exhibits, commercial exhibitors, carnival rides, sponsorships and the rental of fair buildings and facilities throughout the
year.
AGRICULTURE
A central feature of the fair is to educate people about the importance of agriculture in California.
• Eighty-one percent of fairgoers felt that they knew more about agriculture after going to the fair.
• The fair is a critical part of the local junior livestock program, which educates young people about the breeding,
raising and grooming of farm animals.
• Last year fair judged over 19,000 exhibits, including approximately 5,500 agricultural exhibits. This resulted in
nearly $500,000 paid in prize money to fair participants.
FAIR-RELATED BUSINESSES
Fair-related businesses provide many goods and services that are essential to the fair experience.
• Combined economic impact of spending by commercial exhibitors plus attendee spending on commercial
merchandise at fairs and year-round events totaled more than $96.9 million.
• Attendee direct spending on food and beverages totaled approximately $11.3 million, which generated
$197,357 in local taxes.
• Total economic impact from the carnival generated $981,803 in local spending and $52,607 in local taxes.
• Entertainment at the fair created $44,596 in local spending.
5
COMMUNITY GROUPS
The fair is a major venue for local community groups and nonprofit organizations to raise money and awareness of their
programs.
• Nonprofit groups raised $18,212 at Cal Expo for community programs and services. Include the $174,075
raised at the junior livestock auction, and a total of $192,287 was raised for community benefits.
• Friends of the California State Fair offers a scholarship program that awards more than $26,500 annually for
college and graduating high school students. Scholarships are awarded in the areas of the arts, general studies,
agriculture, international studies and teaching.
• More than $29 million are raised annually through non-profit fundraising activities at California fairgrounds.
ATTENDEES
• Californians love their fairs and fairground events.
• Fair time attendance at the State Fair in 2010 was 730,000. Total annual attendance at Cal Expo was 1,354,824.
• In 2009, over 27 million attendees visited fairs and events at California fairgrounds.
• The average visitor attends the fair 1.9 times per year and lives within 100 miles.
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPACTS
While the economic impact of the fair is remarkable, it is the social and cultural impacts that may leave the most lasting
impression on Californians.
• The fair provides a focal point for community members to celebrate their heritage, compete in a variety of
events, hold family reunions, display and view artwork, learn about other cultures, premier new inventions, and
showcase the best of California.
• Ninety-six percent of attendees agreed that the fair provided worthwhile community benefits.
CONCLUSION: A GOLDEN LEGACY
Fairs entertain and educate, but they also have immense economic, educational, social and cultural impacts. Economic
impacts range from spending by attendees and businesses to nonprofit fundraising to job creation and to tax revenues.
From people’s paychecks to community services, the return on investment from fairs is widespread.
Fairs, however, represent much more than dollars-and-cents. Fairs offer a link between urban and rural California and serve
as tools for educating Californians about the importance of agriculture. Fairs reach far beyond their agrarian roots and
encourage industries and individuals to strive for excellence through competitions. Finally, through their social and cultural
impacts, fairs embody the community spirit and highlight the diversity of the Golden State. Fairs provide a focal point for
community members to:
• Celebrate their heritage
• Compete in a variety of events
• Display and view artwork
• Learn about other cultures
• Premier new inventions
• Showcase the best of California
6
CALIFORNIA FAIRS AT RISK - PROPOSED ELIMINATION OF STATE FUNDING
In 2011, the administration of Governor Brown submitted a budget proposal which includes the elimination of all state
funding for California fairs. May revisions to the budget proposal included a statement regarding the “future operation,
maintenance, and oversight of the network of California fairs, including real and personal property and the feasibility to
restructure the governance of the fairs within this network.”
In order to measure the impact of Governor Brown’s proposed 100 percent cut of state funding for California’s fairs, the
California Fairs Alliance developed a list of fairs that will be most at-risk for temporary or permanent closure.
The basic formula for selecting the listed fairs relied on their 2009 year-end fiscal statements (latest available). Those fairs
whose operating income showed a 20 percent or greater reliance on state support were considered at risk as well as
those fairs that experienced a net loss in 2009 and have an operating reserve of less than five percent. This list is not
meant to suggest that the remaining 49 fairs are not also “at-risk” as a result of the elimination of state funding.
Most At-Risk List:
1. Butte County Fair
2. Colorado River County Fair
3. Colusa County Fair
4. Glenn County Fair
5. Humboldt County Fair
6. Inter-Mountain Fair of Shasta County
7. Kings Fair
8. Lake County Fair
9. Lassen County Fair
10. Mariposa County Fair
11. Mendocino County Fair
12. Merced County Spring Fair
13. Modoc District Fair
14. Monterey County Fair
15. Mother Lode Fair
16. Placer County Fair
17. Plumas-Sierra County Fair
18. Sacramento County Fair
19. San Benito County Fair
20. San Joaquin County Fair
21. Santa Clara County Youth Fair
22. Schools Agriculture and Nutrition Fair
23. Shasta District Fair
24. Southern California Fair
25. Tehama District Fair
26. Trinity County Fair
27. Tulare County Fair
28. Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair
29. The Valley Fair
Read about current funding issues facing the Modoc District Fair, like many of our local fairs, in this recent article in the
Siskiyou Daily News: http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/article/20140701/NEWS/140709978
CALIFORNIA FAIRS AT RISK - WESTERN FAIRS ASSOCIATION TO SEEK LEGISLATION
Friday, March 9, 2012 — California’s network of fairs announced plans to introduce legislation that will allow them to
continue generating jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenue for state and local governments.
Based on a sampling of performance at fairs statewide 2011 was as a banner year with record attendance and a
$165-million tax contribution to state and local governments. Yet the future success of California fairs and related
revenue benefits are in jeopardy because state fair funding is slated for a total elimination.
As of January 1, California’s network of 78 fairs will see its annual state allocation of $32 million cut to zero. That $32
million has traditionally functioned as seed money that kick starts annual operations. Cutting that support could result in
a significant reduction of the following economic benefits to the state (as reported in 2011):
(continued)
7
• $2.65 billion in total economic impact to California
• 30,000 jobs
• $66 million in states sales tax
• $99 million in sales taxes for cities and counties
“We are working with legislators who understand the absurdity of killing a goose that lays golden eggs for government,”
said Stephen Chambers, executive director for WFA. “Fairs are an entirely different animal than any other state funded
enterprise because we more than pay for ourselves. Seed money for fairs results in a 5-to-1 return on investment.”
Chambers noted that despite California’s deep recession, fairs proved a source of economic growth and stability for the
state. “Fairs outperformed such other major entertainment venues as movie theaters and theme parks,” he said. “There’s
an endless list of reasons to preserve fairs.”
• Volunteer and social services provided at the fairgrounds were believed to be at an all time high at many fairs. In
Fresno, a food drive for the needy set a national record for single-day contributions;
• Total annual attendance to fairgrounds was more than 30 million – almost matching the state’s entire population;
• Attendance just during the 2011 fair season rose to an estimated 14 million – about a 6 percent increase from
the previous year;
• While there have been cuts to fair-related jobs, the industry still employs an estimated 30,000 Californians who
work as fair staff, vendors or related businesses;
• The decision to eliminate state funding could very well cost the state far more than it would be saving and send
more Californians into the unemployment lines.
“Our industry is being financially responsible and have positioned ourselves to weather the storm,” said Sandy Woods,
the CEO for the Nevada County Fairgrounds. “But the reality is that the elimination of state funding creates a very
precarious financial basis for the fair industry and has potentially serious ramifications to California’s economy.”
In the coming month, WFA will be exploring ways to either reinstate some level of funding or develop a transition plan
to ensure fairgrounds can remain on solid footing, Chambers said. While the lost revenue is measurable, there exists an
unknown cost to taxpayers associated with shutting down fairgrounds.
“There was very little, if any, thought given to the consequences of these cuts and what they truly mean,” said Chambers.
“The cost of closure alone could reach into the millions of dollars necessary to cover insurance, security, employee
transition costs and utilities. I don’t think anyone wants to eliminate a growing source of tax revenue, job stability or
community centers that are critical to public safety during emergencies and are hubs for volunteer activity that assists
those suffering from cuts in social services.”
More information about California Fairs can be found at:
CA Department of Food & Agriculture,
Division of Fairs & Expositions
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Fairs_&_Expositions/
California Fairs Website
http://www.cafairs.com/
California State Fair & Exposition
http://www.castatefair.org/
California Fair Alliance
http://www.westernfairs.org/p/aboutwfa/cfa
Western Fairs Assocation
http://www.westernfairs.org/
8
HISTORY OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR
Shortly after the discovery of gold, the state’s first daily newspaper Alta California encouraged the formation of an
agricultural society to enhance the State’s reputation as an ideal place for farming and industry. Eager to meet that
challenge, the California legislature created the State Agricultural Society in 1852. Eighty enthusiastic individuals signed up
for the initial effort to plan an agricultural exposition. In 1854 the first California State Fair was held in San Francisco.
Travel was a hardship for many in those days so organizers arranged for the Fair to move locations each year.
Sacramento, San Jose, Stockton, and Marysville hosted the Fair for the subsequent four years. Pioneer residents quickly
recognized tremendous riches in the fertile soil and so California’s number one industry, agriculture, was born. The Fair
was a yearly source of entertainment and education for early settlers, drawing huge crowds of as many as 15,000 on a
single day.
When the Fair returned to Sacramento in 1859, a decision was made to find a permanent home. Sacramento was a
bustling city with more than 2,500 buildings and a newly installed water system using two and a half miles of pipe. Six
square blocks between E and H Streets from 20th to 22nd Streets were bought with monies raised through a special
election and contributions from local citizens. This site was called Capitol Park.
One aspect of those early Fairs that deserves special mention is the significance of the horse. Without the horse, it’s
questionable how the West could have developed. The horse provided transportation and entertainment, and California’s
role in the breeding of fine horses and the development of the sport of horseracing led the way. The California State Fair
played a significant role in this development.
By the turn of the century, the popularity and growth of the State Fair forced organizers to find a larger site. The
Capitol Park location was sold and the State Agricultural Society then purchased 100 acres southeast of the city limits
on Stockton Boulevard, which opened in the summer of 1909. For the next 58 years, the Fair continued to evolve and
flourish. Some today might remember the Hall of Flowers and the Golden Bear sentinels that stood guard outside the
brick County Building.
The Fair features in 1854 were 2 inch long peanuts, 72 pound beets, and a 10-pound carrot measuring 3 feet long.
Thrill shows, contests and pageants were introduced to enliven the summer event. Sometime in the 1870’s, California’s
counties began to compete for “bragging rights” by creating exhibits showcasing their part of the state. This competition
continues and today the Counties Exhibits are some of the most popular annual Fair exhibits among fairgoers.
The California State Fair has come a long way since those days. Since welcoming the 21st Century, the State Fair has
grown to more than one million visitors annually and proudly stages an international celebration of world unity and
cultural diversity unlike any other in the State.
Today the California State Fair is housed at Cal Expo on 356 acres adjacent to the American River. The Fair continues
to attract guests from all over the world by offering affordable family entertainment and a wide selection of attractions
showcasing the international diversity of the Golden State. California’s Fair is the only fair or amusement park in
the nation to boast its own police department, with more than 200 sworn officers representing 33 different law
enforcement agencies. In addition, the Fair maintains one of three operational monorails in the country. Another unique
feature of the State Fair is the beautiful lagoon situated in the middle of the Cal Expo property, an asset held by an elite
number of fairgrounds in North America.
9
CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR TIMELINE
1848 – The cry of “Gold!” first heard in Coloma, California.
1850 – California gained statehood as the 31st state.
1854 – California legislature created the State Agricultural Society and the first annual California State Fair was held in San
Francisco’s Music Hall located on the corner of Bush and Montgomery Streets. The livestock was quartered in Mission
Delores. $4,660 paid in premiums. The first Fair was managed and funded by Col. J.L.L. Warren, a respected California
seed and floral agribusiness man.
1857 – Showing of manufactured goods was featured at the Fair.
1861 – California legislature designated the capital city of Sacramento the Fair’s permanent location.
1871 – Completion of transcontinental railroad allowed for the first exchange of produce across the country for display at fairs
and expositions. The Floral Garden was added to the State Fair.
1879 – A Fine Arts Show was added to the State Fair.
1880 – Capitol Park Pavilion was built at 15th and N Streets making it the largest building in all of California and for the first
time, all departments of the Fair were held at one location. President Rutherford B. Hayes, only U.S. President to visit
the Fair.
1895 – Electricity came to the fairgrounds.
1903 – California State Fair hosted first automobile race.
1904 – State Fair Board of Directors voted to abolish gambling and the sale of spirits on the fairgrounds.
1909 – Grand opening of State Fair on 80-acre site at Stockton Blvd.
1911 – Wild West Show and Chariot Race featured at the Fair.
1916 – As a result of the San Francisco Panama-Pacific International Exposition, international exhibits were added to the Fair.
1921 – First annual fireworks display presented by Patrick Lizza who traveled from Pennsylvania.
1929 – Pay toilets installed at the Fair.
1933 – Parking fees instituted at the Fair (25 cents outside, 50 cents inside fairgrounds), Goodyear Blimp landed at the Fair,
horse betting reinstated.
1937 – Stockton Blvd. site expanded 75 acres and a horse show arena and racetrack grandstand were constructed.
1942 – During the war, the Army occupied the fairgrounds and no State Fair was held from 1942-1946.
1948 – 1,000 acres of land was purchased along the American River to build larger fairgrounds. Televisions were exhibited for
the first time.
1954 – State Fair 100th anniversary celebration unveiled a fountain that shot water 30’ into the air.
1963 – California legislature approved funds to construct Cal Expo
1967 – Final year Fair held at Stockton Blvd. facility.
1968 – Governor Ronald W. Reagan officially opened Cal Expo.
1969 – 6,800 foot-long Monorail was completed.
1972 – California Forest Center opens.
1983 – Demonstration Farm Exhibit opens.
1987 – Fair hosts world’s largest Dairy Goat Show.
1994 – World’s first DNA testing of livestock introduced at State Fair.
2001 – Over one million guests visited the California State Fair ranking it fifth largest fair in the nation.
2002 – September 11 Memorial Exhibit was opened.
2004 – State Fair celebrates 150 years.
2005 – Cal Expo becomes the only home of live harness racing on the West Coast.
2006 – State Fair hosts its first ‘Most Talented Kid’ Competition.
2007 – Cal Expo begins formal discussions with NBA to build new fairgrounds and sports arena.
2008 – Cal Expo celebrates 40th Anniversary.
2008 – Live Thoroughbred Racing returns to the State Fair after a three year hiatus.
2009 – Cal Expo Board votes to change State Fair dates to July, starting in 2010
Sacramento Bee article: “State Fair builds on 160 years of fun, learning”
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/07/08/5552765/state-fair-builds-on-160-years.html
10
C A L I F O R N I A
2015 Fact Sheet
Event Description
The California State Fair, Northern California’s premier summertime
attraction, typically draws more than 750,000 attendees each year. The
Fair has a wide range of attractions and activities for everyone including
agricultural and art exhibits, specialty foods, horse racing, cooking, wine
and beer competitions, thrill rides, and big name entertainment.
EVENT
The 162nd California State Fair
LOCATION
Cal Expo, Sacramento
EXPECTED 2015 ATTENDANCE
750,000+
TOTAL EVENT DAYS
17
DATES
July 10 – July 26, 2015
EVENT HOURS
GATE FEE
PARKING
Monday – Thursday
11 AM – 10 PM
$
12.00
General
Admission
$
10.00
Friday – Sunday
10 AM – 10 PM
$
Seniors
$
8.00
Youth
FREE
Children
4 & under
10.00
2014 Event Sponsors
Coca Cola, Miller Lite, Tecate, Heineken, Chevrolet, Save Mart Supermarkets, Tractor Supply
Company, Golden 1 Credit Union, California Lottery, Chevron, Ford, Jack in the Box, One Main
Financial, Kitchen Craft, Wells Fargo Bank, Groupon, California Family Fitness, Xfinity, Caltrans,
PG&E, Toro, Dish Network, Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort, BloodSource, Central Valley Tow,
Sleeptrain Mattress Centers, DirecTV, SMUD, News10, Telemundo 33, The Sacramento Bee,
Sacramento RT, Select Comfort, Toyota, Bird’s Eye, Cupcake Vineyards, American Laser Skincare,
NBA Nation, Sleep Number, Bluegreen Vacations, Energy Upgrade California, Glodrush Getaways,
Hawaiian Host, Splash Dogs, Global Travel Network, Monterey Bay Aquarium, AT&T Go Phone,
Oakland Raiders, Sacramento RT, Air Force and US Army