LAKEPORT, Calif. – It has been a tumultuous year for the California fair industry, with the state stripping all funding from the network of seventy-nine fairs that have traditionally been associated with state government.
A transition to some sort of public corporation now seems likely for the state agency that operates the Lake County Fair, but even while the state decides when and how that transition takes place, local organizations in Lake County have stepped up with just the kind of support the Lake County Fair needs to remain open and viable in the future.
“It's an odd situation, managing a facility owned by the state, operated by state employees, under state rules and regulations, but beginning in January, there will be no funding from the state,” Lake County Fair Chief Executive Officer Richard Persons said.
“There are a lot of rumors within the fair industry about a transition to some other form of agency, but so far, no legislation has been written to make the change, and we don't know what it will look like,” Persons said. “Fortunately, the Lake County Fair event is really a local event with tremendous local support, and we've received great sponsorship from a wide variety organizations.”
Nancy Brier, a past sponsor of the main stage who found the fair to be fantastic outreach for the business she and her husband once owned, was hired in 2011 to market the sponsorship packages to local businesses.
“Nancy has always raved about the great partnership between her business and Lake County Fair, and she has a tremendous background in marketing, so it was a great fit,” said Persons. “Nancy knows and understands the Lake County Fair, and we were very impressed with her results. We're looking forward to working with her on a full year's sponsorship program.”
Some major sponsors have had long running relationships with Lake County Fair, like Umpqua Bank, sponsor of the junior livestock auction and Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino, this year's sponsor of the Fiesta Latina, the schedule of events, and fair crew shirts.
Others are new to the fair, like TAC Studios and Alta Gas Ltd., each sponsoring an exhibit building.
Stages are sponsored this year by Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Mediacom, while the round-robin showmanship finals are sponsored by CalPine, and the will-call booth is sponsored by Well Fargo of Lakeport. All three companies have been sponsors in previous years, but not necessarily last year.
Airport Auto Brokers, this year's sponsor of the customer service department with specialty hats and shirts, has been heavily involved in the speedway for many years but is new to sponsoring the county fair.
Safeway, a long-running sponsor of the junior livestock program, is returning this year as well.
In addition to the exposure to the nearly 40,000 visitors who will attend the Lake County Fair this year, sponsors receive a variety of benefits depending on the level of sponsorship.
Signage rights and a limited number of gate credentials go with most sponsorships, while larger sponsor packages may also include booth space, advertising mentions, and inclusion in press releases.
“We try to negotiate packages that fit each individual situation, so the sponsor receives the benefits they need from the arrangement,” said Persons.
Regular admission prices for the 2011 Lake County Fair are $10 for a regular ticket, $6 for a senior over age 60 and $6 for children ages 6 through 11.
Children under 6 years old are admitted free every day. Children through age 11 are admitted for $3 on Thursday, September 1st only, for “Kid's Day.”
The Lake County Fair traditionally occurs Labor Day weekend each year at the fairgrounds in Lakeport.
The 2011 fair dates are Thursday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Sept. 4.
Lake County Fair is one of Lake County's favorite summertime events, and is enjoyed by nearly 40,000 people each year.
The fair features a variety of entertainment, food, exhibits, a carnival, and livestock shows.
The Fair theme for 2011 is “Make Some Magic!”
