The Colusa County Fair Foundation is just about one-year shy of reaching a $1 million milestone.
The Foundation, which was formed in 2013 to keep the fairgrounds viable for future generations, has raised more than $800,000, which has or will be put into large renovation projects.
The Foundation has been a primary investor in improvements on the grounds since it was formed a decade ago, said Foundation President Daniel Bailey. The group was established after the State of California cut funding for county expositions and fairs.
“We have a lot going on,” Bailey said. “We are here to develop and allocate financial resources for the repair and improvement of the fairgrounds – and educate the community as to the value of the county fair and its facilities. We are hard at work at that.”
Last year, the Foundation raised about $200,000 for the renovation of the Main Exhibit hall, the group’s next big multi-year project.
Most of the money was raised with the first “Fund a Need” event, which is intended to be a biannual fundraiser held during the Junior Livestock Auction.
The group plans to do some minor fundraising this year, including at the parent showmanship event, on June 7, ahead of the opening of the Colusa County Fair, but the primary fundraiser will be in 2024. The Main Exhibit Building project is estimated to cost between $500,000 and $600,000, Bailey said.
In addition to improvements made so far on the aging structure, Bruce Hardwick (Hardwick Construction) and Kurt Stassi (Stassi Carpentry) donated their time on two new entrance awnings at the building, with four more to do.
Electrical improvements are next at a cost of about $100,000, Bailey said.
The foundation also has plans to continue Festival Hall improvements by eventually adding new restrooms.
Etchepare Hall will also see improvements this year, including new indoor paint, thanks to donations by the Etchepare family.
The Colusa County Fair, June 8-11, will be the second year back after the COVID-19 pandemic, and enthusiasm couldn’t be greater.
Livestock exhibitor entries are up, still exhibits are up, and a new carnival will come onboard with rides for all ages, said Chief Executive Officer Laura Ford.
“We’re looking forward to having a great fair this year,” Ford said.
In addition to the parent showmanship on June 7, the Fair Foundation will present its annual Heritage Awards, which honors individuals, families, groups, or companies that have left a lasting impact or had a profound effect on the Colusa County Fair or fairgrounds. ■
Publishers Note: The Colusa County Pioneer Review continues to support the efforts of the Fair Foundation for the viability of the fairgrounds for future generations, despite the boycott of this newspaper by the 44th District Agricultural Association over requests for public information.