Mariposa County Fair
Sierra Sun Times file photo

January 18, 2017 - The Governor’s 2017-18 proposed Budget maintains the ongoing commitment of $2.6 million for the support of local fairs, which is consistent with the last two enacted State Budgets. Commencing in the 2015-16 State Budget, $2.6 million in ongoing monies was to be directed to the Fairs and Expositions Fund for redistribution to improve the financial situation of smaller fairs, as well as provide training for Fair Board members.

The Governor’s 2017-18 proposed Budget does not provide any funding in the 2017 Five Year Infrastructure Plan for capital improvements to address fire, life and safety, and other deferred maintenance projects for fairs across the network. The 2016-17 State Budget Package provided $4 million, and the 2015-16 State Budget Package provided $7 million for similar capital improvement efforts.

Prior to 2009-10, fairs received state support primarily from horse race wagering proceeds. In 2009, the State supplanted horse race wagering with State General Fund support. The 2011-12 State Budget Package eliminated the $32 million General Fund for the support of fairs. Subsequent State Budgets did not replace the funding for fairs until the 2015-16 State Budget Package.

RCRC will continue to work with the California Department of Food and Agriculture and other stakeholders to address a long-term solution to the viability of fairs in light of the elimination of state funding in prior years. The previous lack of support placed several of the small and medium sized fairs in jeopardy of closure, and the ongoing funding – both in operations and capital improvements – should provide some relief until a long-term solution is realized.
Source: Rural County Representatives of California