It is true. In this year's state budget for California, the county fairs essentially lost their funding. Some counties such as Santa Clara have completely given up on its county fairs. At one time, fairs were supported in large part by horse racing. This sport has hit a new low too and many tracks have closed down. Even some of the ones that make up the fabled triple crown are dragging along financially.
Some counties have off track betting on their fair site. A small building on the Stanislaus County Fair Grounds is devoted to off track betting. Patrons come in and bet on horse races around the country broadcasted to them via video satellite links. It is a small spot compared to the Indian Reservation gambling that builds huge casinos in the foothills.
Its interesting that in Fresno's Fair their entertainment venue is sponsored by the Indian casino. There is a finite number to gambling dollars out there. It seems that that these dollars are finding new places to be rather than at a race track. The race tracks with their loss of patronage cannot afford to subsidize county fairs. The state that over sees the race track gambling and the county fair support in the past from these race tracks.
The state walked away from funding of county fairs this year. There are a number of approaches that counties took to make up for this loss of funding.
Almost all of them gave up their entertainment budgets for big names to appear for concerts. The big names in entertainment were replaced by tribute bands that used to play in the side venues of these fairs. The is a big name or two out there but more than likely the band will be an oldie made up of one or two members of the old named band and a troop of younger replacements. This may speak more to the condition of modern music groups and their need to pay their dues in the lessor venues. The county fair circuit may not be as important of a place than a photo in People or a guest shot on Jimmy Kimble.
Some counties such as Merced elected to keep the prices low and bring in as many people as they could for a much shorter fair. Merced's fair entrance was 5 dollars an adult. Grandstand events were another 5 dollars and it took 5 dollars to get a parking place. More branding was done with local merchants and health companies.
Stanislaus County maintains a much longer fair, charges 12 dollars an adult and 5 dollars to park. Their entertainment was free but the grandstand events, such as tractor pulling and destruction derby ran from 8 dollars to 16.
Both plans seem to work. There were many people attending each of the fairs. There seemed to be a fewer number of commercial booths at the Stanislaus County Fair than usual. The Merced Fair offered some pretty decent tribute bands to Journey and CCR on their main stage. Stanislaus County Fair offered Tower of Power... which always puts on a great show especially if you can hear it from the parking lot.
The kids are always great to see at these fairs. They exhibit unbrindled joy at being at a family friendly venue. The animals are groomed up to the nth dregree and shown off beautifully at these fairs. Nothing changes about that.
At the Merced County Fair I always go for the Eagles lenguisa sandwich, at the Stanislaus County fair its the beef kabob with the fresh tomatoes and Assyrian bread, from the Assyrian club. It comes with rice and a sprinkling of cilantro and green onions. Sue had the chicken.. a tad dry but still great. She is not a fan of cilantro or green onions but oh such a fan of the rice.
We always enjoy the photography and the art.
The flowers are always cool and both fairs did not disappoint.
Great to still have these fairs!
: ) Pat
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