The Big Fresno Fair

The Big Fresno Fair ( District ), founded in 1884, is the fifth largest fair in California. The District represents the 21st District Agricultural Association, an entity of the California Department of Food & Agriculture Division of Fairs Expositions.The District is self-funded through business operations and generous community contributions. The District does not receive any mandatory funding from the State for operations ; however, the Fair can apply for grants. The District's $10 million 2010 budget is managed by CEO John Alkire, administrative management and staff, and is overseen by nine Board members appointed by the Governor's office. The District ranks seventh out of 77 fairs in total operating reserve, placing it in the top 9% of all fairs for this category. According to an independent report from 2002, The Big Fresno Fair contributes more than $68.6 million in economic impact to Fresno County annually.The District derives its annual income from three main sources: the annual Big Fresno Fair event, weekly Satellite Wagering and interim events. The largest interim events include the weekly Swap Meet, the annual Hmong International New Year Celebration and March Home & Garden Show.The Big Fresno Fair is far more than just the Central Valley's largest annual event, attracting nearly 550, 000 patrons each year. It is a year-round rental facility spanning 165 acres held under a 50-year lease with the County of Fresno, and is host to over 175 events that annually attract more than 1 million additional visitors. Unique to all California fairs, the District operates two year-round satellite wagering facilities " The Starting Gate at the Fairgrounds and The Polo Lounge at Club One Casino in Downtown Fresno. From the Fair event, satellite wagering and interim events, more than 1.5 million people visit the Fairgrounds annually " a number that increases each year as the Fairgrounds' popularity continues to grow, in part due to the many capital improvements completed over the past decade.In the past decade, the District has invested in excess of $13 million on capital improvements to provide Central Valley residents a facility they can enjoy and be proud of. Improvements include:Pirates in the Park, Catfish Falls, Dairyville USA, McCaffrey Miner's Town, Fort Fresno, The Water Tree and now The Big Fresno Fair Farmer's Market in the Table Mountain Rancheria Park provide fun and free attractions for families to enjoy year-round.