Association

Funding and Statistics

The Napa County Fair Association relies heavily on generating its own revenue from the golf course, campground, racetrack, facility rentals, and Fair operations. We do not receive any local tax support for our operations.

From 1937 to 2009, with the legalization of parimutuel horse racing in Callifornia, the Association has received an annual allocation from the State of California Department of Food & Agriculture, Division of Fairs & Expositions. In 2010 the source of this allocation changed from the parimutuel horse racing fund to the State of California's General Fund. This allocation has been received by all fairs in California, with the amount based on a combination of criteria including the size and budget of the fair.

As part of Governor Brown's 2011-12 budget proposal, effective January 1, 2012, county fairs will will no longer receive any funding support from the state. For us, the loss is approximately $220,000 annually, or 18% of our operating budget.

Currently, the Division of Fairs & Expositions (F & E) provides fiscal and policy oversight as well as program requirements of the network of California fairs and ensures the best use of available funding resources and other services. F & E approves the Association's annual budget, reviews our annual financial reports and audit, and oversees capital improvement projects and funding.

We are also a member of Western Fairs Association (WFA). WFA is a Sacramento based trade association representing California's fairs through legislative advocacy and provides staff development and training programs through regional meetings and the annual convention.

The fairgrounds is located on 64-acres of property owned by the County of Napa. It includes the nine-hole Mount St. Helena Golf Course, a 72-site RV campground, and the one-half mile dirt Calistoga Speedway. Additionally, there are four buildings, a horse arena, barbecue area, and multiple outdoor picnic areas available for use by the public throughout the year.

Annual interim use of the fairgrounds includes:
8 nights of auto racing
11,000 rounds of golf played
8,000 overnight campers
6 festivals
12 major non-profit association fundraisers
5 regular weekly or monthly club meetings
21 high school football and soccer games
150 youth sports practices
150 days of fire and police training

Join!

Are you interested in the Fair?  Speedway?  Golf Course?  Have fresh ideas that you'd like to share?  Are you a Napa County resident or live in an area served by the Calistoga Post Office?

Join our Membership and get involved!  Be part of an organization whose purpose is the creation and development of FUN, ENTERTAINMENT and RECREATION in the Napa Valley!

Along with your annual membership, you'll receive FREE admission to the annual County Fair, $2 discount on up to five (5) rounds of golf at Mount St. Helena Golf Course, $3 discount at the Calistoga RV Park, and $3 discount on admission to Association-sponsored events at the Calistoga Speedway, and quarterly newsletters of event happenings and  Association news.  Plus, you'll have the opportunity to serve on a variety of committees to help shape the future direction of our operations.

For just $30 per year it's the best deal in the County!

Join today by printing the Association Membership Application below and mailing it, along with your $30 payment to:

Napa County Fair Association
P.O. Box 344
Calistoga, CA  94515

Mission