Amador County – The governor’s budget proposal last week included a reported elimination of 100 percent of annual funding for 78 fairs in California, $32 million statewide including a $200,000 allocation to the Amador County Fair,
Troy Bowers, CEO of the Amador County Fair, said Friday that those who would be affected by the cuts include district fairs, considered agricultural state agencies, and also festivals, such as Lodi Grape Festival.
“We know that everybody needs to be part of the solution, and we fairs, we all knew there would be a reduction from the state,” Bowers said. “We all think that a 100 percent reduction is pretty heavy. So obviously, we are in the very early stages of this negotiation, and we’ll see where it goes.”
California Fairs have representation, the Western Fairs Association, “who will be advocating on our behalf,” and negotiating. “We know that there’s a huge need,” Bowers said. “It’s a huge problem and we need to be part of the solution.”
The smaller the fair, generally means the larger the allocation. Amador is ranked a 3 on the size scale of 1-5, with 1 being the smallest.
“Amador County Fair normally gets $200,000 a year from that allocation,” Bower said. “That represents about 25 percent of our operating budget.” He said the “serious reduction” will require a lot of effort, thought, and sacrifice, “but we’re ready for the challenge.”
“We’ll work hard to maintain the Amador County Fair as we all know and love it,” and people should know “there will be an Amador County Fair next year, and in 10 years, and for their children’s children. It may not look like it does this year, but it will still be there.”
Through facility rental year-round, Bowers said the fair generates “about $600,000 of our own, and that stays in the county. Sponsorships are a pretty good part of that too.”
Bowers said: “What I’m so grateful for is that we are not alone here.” The not-for-profit Amador County Fair Foundation is in its third year, and has a “mission to generate funds, through gifts of cash, or property to support the fair.” The Fair will have its third annual Valentines Ball Feb. 12 to support the Fair.
Last Friday, Bowers was headed to the Western Fairs Association’s 88th annual convention, which runs Jan. 16-19 in Reno. He said the “California budget will be topic one,” and “we should know a lot more by the end of the convention.” The convention ends Wednesday.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
