Mother Lode Fair directors mull options

Mother Lode Fair directors must decide whether to continue letting some community events be held at the fairgrounds for free or at reduced prices.

In the past, events such as the annual Tuolumne County Health Fair, Ag in the Classroom programs, a holiday party for underprivileged children and an annual career and job fair were given special deals because they serve the community and don’t make money.
   

However, under the current financial situation, directors have to reconsider such practices. They will review the program during their Tuesday meeting and are expected to make a decision for the 2012 year.

The fairgrounds is on a list of 29 California fairs in danger of closing because of cost-cutting measures that eliminated state funding for fairs.
 For decades, fairgrounds across California received funding from state fees on horse racing events. In 2009, that separate fund was combined with the general fund, and in July, Gov. Jerry Brown announced that funding for all fairs as well as some state parks would be on the chopping block.

The Mother Lode Fairgrounds operates on an annual budget of about $600,000, according to Manager Jan Haydn-Myer. About $200,000, roughly one-third of the budget, came from the state — money that will no longer be available.

This year, expenses are expected to be $446,000, with revenues likely to be only $376,000, Haydn-Myer said. The fairground will draw from its $110,000 reserves to bridge the gap, but that won’t work in future years as the reserves dwindle.

Fair organizers and others in the community are looking for ways to increase revenues to keep the fairgrounds open and running.

The Mother Lode Fairgrounds is one of 78 in the California network of fairs. It has five full-time employees and 60 part-time employees, with the land and buildings owned by the state.

In addition to the four-day fair in July, which Haydn-Myer said pays its way, the fairgrounds is host to many events throughout the year.

The fairgrounds has a variety of venues available for private and public events, ranging from a meeting room that rents for $100 a day to the entire fairgrounds at a negotiable rate depending on the event. Equipment such as tables and chairs is included. Linens, china and flatware are available for private events.

The 100-space RV park is open all year at $30 per night with electricity, water and sewer hookups, a dump station, restrooms and showers.

Contact Lenore Rutherford at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 588-4585.