Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1990, with Roger Hayes

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the nineties with your host Rich McGlinchey, how you doing everybody Welcome to another edition of Sonoma County in the nineties. You know, this program is gonna be a lot of fun for me because we're gonna be talking about an institution that's near and dear to my

heart. That's the Sonoma County fair. And incidentally, I think the fair is probably one of the most beloved institutions or activities around the Sonoma County. But in addition to the Sonoma County fair that takes place every year in the middle of july and right into august

We also have activities going on at the fairgrounds. I think there's about 33 different buildings. There seems to be something going on and a great many of them all year round and our guest on this show is Roger Hayes and Roger is a controller for the

Snowmen County Fair, I guess, you know, that means the money man on the fair. So we're going to find out about the money and we're gonna find out What goes on Raj. It's nice to have you here to talk about this because everybody loves a fair.

Thanks a lot rich. It's great to be here. I know you're a long supporter of the fair and I don't know how many fairs in a row have you been to now? I've been to every fair since 1936 except two years. I was in the army.

That's amazing. That was 86 was our 50th anniversary at the current location. So you've made them all? Well the funny thing about that 86 I had the misfortune to have open heart surgery just before the fair. So I thought gee you know it's gonna be the

first one I've ever missed when I was still here but it wasn't. So one of your directors bob ranking at that time comes out to the car, gets me on a friday to go out there and darned if they didn't even have a race in my

name. So I got to see it for that one day and I've never missed one since. Ladies and gentlemen before, we actually go into talking to roger about the fair and the activities there. I want to call your attention to the artwork on the studio walls,

we're gonna be seeing two paintings, thereby Ellie McGinty, a local artist and we really appreciate Ellie letting us have these up here. Yeah, that name does sound the same, doesn't it? It's my lovely wife and these are two works of hers, um, raj. Um How long

have you been there right now? I joined the fair in June of 1987. And so I've made the last four fares 87 through 90. And of course I grew up in the county, so I like you have been going to fairs for almost 30 years. Um

let's start off with money. What's the fair's annual budget? Our budget for 1990 was over 9.4 million. And that includes all of our capital expenditures, the fair time activities, the entertainers, uh premiums paid basically anything that goes through the Sonoma County Fair and Exposition inc 9.4

fairground, you know, it really is fun to be a part of that every year because it has such a history that goes back, our modern fair goes back to 1936. But As I tell people every year when we were out there and doing the show, we

really go back to 1856 was the first pair in the county, not here on these grounds, but for many years that they're kind of bounced around to different cities, but since 1936 it's been right there on our good old fairgrounds and And every year it gets

better. It gets more popular. Absolute. One of the things that really strikes me is that our, our fair attendance this year was over 357,000, which is roughly equivalent to the county's population. Now, not everyone in the county comes to the fair, a lot of people come

multiple times and still, it's quite amazing. It is indeed, you know, roger. One of the things that the audience is probably asking itself right now is, is what does this cost us? You know, everybody's thinking in terms of taxpayer dollars, that sort of thing. Does the

fair receive any money, any tax money from the county's general fund. Now, the fair receives absolutely nothing, not a penny from the county's general fund. We're entirely self supported based on our revenues from the fair. And as you mentioned, we rent out the facilities during the

year. We also have the satellite wagering facility which operates year round and contributes quite a bit of money. So we are completely self funded and in fact we contribute to any overhead costs that the county occurs on our behalf since we are a county department. Um

go back just a minute to what you said a couple of moments ago, the fair, what was the fair attendance in 19 nineties, it was over 357,000. Now, is that, is that everybody paid at the gate for that amount or is that a total of, that's

our total attendance. The paid attendance was roughly 285,000. And and the difference is basically employees, exactly, livestock exhibitors, junior livestock auction buyers, they're providing a community service buying the animals, uh, they receive a pass to get in And then employees of concessionaires. That's, that's the difference.

There's very few, uh, basically complimentary passes. A few are given out to certain organizations. How well I know, but not, not too many. We have, we have really strive to make it that everyone pays. We, we don't want people feeling like some people are favored sons

and are getting in. We tried to make it so everyone pays and we keep our admission price fairly low at the $4. We're gonna talk about that at the end of the program is one of the latter part of the program. Uh, and that is very,

very important. The fact that you do that. Um, but 377,200 almost 290,000. That pain. Uh, that's very, that's, that's success. That's considered. And you know, when you stop to think of what we're talking about the amount later, but basically amount for an adult is $4. And

as I've told people many times, that's one of the best entertainment bargains that you can find when during that two week fair, you can pay $4 a gate and there's a multitude of things you can do to enjoy yourself on the fairgrounds and have a ball

without really spending any more money if you don't want. That's absolutely correct. The fare can be expensive if you know, if you're involved in the carnival and you have a lot of kids, there's ways you can save money on that and we'll talk about, But you're

right, we do have a lot of free entertainment on the various stages. There are lots of activities where Children, as well as adults can get involved. Of course, you can see the livestock at no extra charge, you can write an elephant at no extra charge. We

have little trains that go around the fairgrounds at no extra charge. So there are a number of free activities for the $4 racing. Horse racing is an important revenue builder for the fair. And Each year we talk about this with you and find out how much

money we made out of that, you know, because we used that for many, many other things to benefit our track. But what was the 1990 racing handle? The amount wagered? The amount wagered this year, both in Santa Rosa and at the 15 satellite facilities throughout northern

California was 27.5 million and that was 15 racing day. So that's better than $2 million dollars a day. Well, yes, yes, you're right, that is better than two million a day. I believe we had $23 million days this year. And in spite of that high figure,

that was down a little bit from the previous year for a variety of reasons. We had some trouble as well. All the fairs did this year filling their race is completely, but still, it was a very successful one thing we did in 1989 were allowed to

do. We simulcast some of the major 11 or two of the major races from the midwest and the east and, and we could wage around those right here and this year we lost those horses getting hurt and scratched out of them, didn't we? Yeah, right now

explain what you said a moment ago. Uh, you said on the track and the 15 satellites. So one is on track while you're right here, but here and the others elsewhere explain that a little bit. Okay, so from starting in 1987 we, The Sonoma County Fair

started to simulcast our race basically send the recorded signal of the race up to a satellite and then it's being down to 15 fair locations as well as to racetracks in northern California. Local people in those vicinities can go to those tracks and wager on our

race is of course, that expanded our market dramatically. Previous to simulcasting, we used to have about $15 million 27. The other thing that's done as far as benefit our local fair and parking is just taking a little pressure off the crowds coming to santa rosa and

we have a little bit better parking situation as a result of that. We have a, a lot of people coming. Well let's see, We talked about 285,000, uh, and into 13 days you're probably talking about in the twenties every day, 22 to 25,000 people a day.

In fact, it was just slightly over 25,000 people a day on that basis. You know, it's coming, that's paid admission coming in. You talked to 3 70 you're, you're up to 40,000 almost a day. So it's, it's amazing That with that many people, if we didn't

have the satellites, that would be once and a half that amount and we really have no project. Absolutes, especially on the first Saturday. The first Saturday of the fair is generally the largest attendance day. It's around 40,000 every year. And that's with simulcasting and you're right,

it would be, and at that point we do sell out for a brief period of parking on that day. And we're, I think we're fortunate that the simulcasting helped spread that crowd out a little bit. You know, we should probably digress just a little bit of

back up a little bit. Uh, the hierarchy of the fair jim moore is our is our general manager now, your, your boss and who, who else is, is working out there right now. The key people that you might say, well there's, there's really a number of

key people, there's over 40 full time county employees who work for the fair and they're all key in their own way? Everyone plays a very vital role. And of course the duties are broken up by being the controller basically oversee all the financial end as well

as other duties that come up. Michelle, welcome de Soto's. Our assistant manager handles the scheduling and rental of the facilities throughout the year. Uh jane Engle puts on all of the special events during the fair and gets involved in other promotions year round. Sheila quince is

the exhibit supervisor puts on that program. Jim Hughes is our building and grounds superintendent. I could go on and on. I realized that these people all play key key issues. I know out there are not key issues that play key roles. They really did say. Yeah.

Um what were the total, How many concessionaires would you say? Let's just say food concessions. Do you have any idea how many you have roughly? 65 65 65. Now, those people I know are are just fencing that food from 10 o'clock in the morning on What

were the total food sales during the 1994. Do you have that? Yeah, it was roughly $2.4 million. Just in in food and beverage sales this year. That's $2.5 million. Hot dogs. Oh my God, pastry puffs, spaghetti, you name it, it was up 7% from last year.

Yes. And that's even though you had, did you say you had slightly less people? We did have have slightly less, but the concession sales were up this year. Uh, Roger what percentage of the fair funding comes from the fair from the fair itself. That's a good

question. Rich. About 34 75% of our $9 million comes just from the two weeks of the fair. And the bulk of that really does come from the racing revenues. Yeah. Right now. Um, two other things satellite wagering and then non fair activities, which we've helped to

not know from my office publicized for years to get more and more people to attending the events that take. I mean, we have tremendous things out there. Those horse shows, the Scottish Games of Harvest Fair, all those magnificent events that take place out there. But what

about satellite wagering and non fair activities. What do they provide non fare? Let's, let's start first with the non fair facilities. Uh, that's about $1.2 million in revenue for 1990. And as you mentioned, the Caledonian games Harvest Fair, the home show. We have spring and fall

home shows and various crafts fairs around the holidays. Uh, 1.2 million is a significant amount, but, but it's still about 15% of our total revenues and, and we're looking to expand that Non fair use of the facility. Um, you don't have to just put on a

major event to, to rent the fairgrounds. We have a number of wedding receptions. uh, company picnics, various company meetings, we have a variety of facilities to address a whole host of needs that the public might have have a big free fourth of july celebration out there

too. That's right. Fourth of july celebration includes a racing seminar. That's right. That's a, that's a secret. Nobody knows that they will next year. All right, listen Rod, we're gonna pause just a moment. Let the station bring the audience a public service announcement. When we come

back. We'll talk to you more about how the fair's managed and your board of directors and other factors about it. Ladies and gentlemen, Roger Hayes control of the Sonoma County Fair and I will return right after this important message. Another graduating class filled with enthusiasm for

the road ahead. This class never lived to make it across this country's roads every year. Thousands of young lives are wasted because we care. Please don't drink. You could become a member of the graduating class that never was randy Travis on strings, branford marsalis on

the horn, paul Shaffer on keys, carly Simon on lead. There are a lot of different parts to play in the american red cross play your part. Welcome back to this edition of Sonoma County in the nineties, we're talking about the Sonoma County Fair and the Sonoma

County Fairgrounds. The fair itself is a pretty beloved institution as far as the people in Sonoma County concerned and the fairgrounds itself is a plethora of entertainment buildings and areas around there that are available to the public and roger. That's one of the things I wanted

to come back with right away. The fair facilities are available to the general public on a rental basis during year. How would someone go about getting the fair or a portion of the building to rent during the year? That's a good question. Rich and it's, it's

really quite simple. All's one needs to do is call the fairgrounds at 545 42 100 dial extension 207 to speak with Michelle waking risotto or if you happen to be near the fairgrounds stopped by the administration office, our staff there will be more than happy to

help you. We have a rental sheet, can go over what you whatever type of event you might wish to have and explain it to you, give you a estimate of what the charges would be and you can go from there. All right now let's get into

the management of the fair itself. How, how is that fair manager managed when I asked that I know that you do have a board of directors. How many of those are there? How are they appointed? And who's the fair manager? Well, the fair manager is jim

moore who uh you know from his days in the county administrator's office, there are 15 board of directors of the Sonoma County Fair and Exposition egg and each member of the board of supervisors for the county appoints three. So five times three is the 15 Now.

They they serve the 15 of them divide themselves up onto a whole bunch of committees, don't they? Oh, absolutely. We have a variety of committees ranging from attractions in advertising to livestock and just maintenance of the building and racing, racing of questions. Finance the whole bit.

Alright, Roger, what form of entity would you say the fair is, what would be referred to as its? Uh that's an interesting question and sometimes it flip flops on it, technically we're a nonprofit corporation. A five oh one C three corporation. Uh but we're also a

county department and we abide by a variety of county policies, but we are a corporation. Um We have a contract with the county to put on the fair and to maintain the fairgrounds that's renewed I believe every three years. Um and all of the assets and

liabilities of the corporation though, do revert back to the county, Were the corporation to ever be dissolved? Well, I've often told people talking to the media over the tv media or in person that you, the people of Sonoma County actually own the fairgrounds basically. Because it

is, it is a county facility. It's operated completely almost like you leased it out and have it operated by the directors and the manager and so forth. But it is, it does belong to all of us, doesn't it? Yeah. Does the board of supervisors approve the

fair budget? Yes, they do on an annual basis. In addition to having the budget approved by our own board, it does go before the board of supervisors and they have the right to make alterations and approve it, make commentary. Alright. In 1990 as you could. Well

see you, people did a tremendous number of improvements. Really made a difference visually. Uh how did you find that it was basically finance from the money that we have been able to accumulate over the last few years with simulcast wagering? We've had basically four successful financial

years at the fair and we accumulated enough money to put over $1.5 million back into the fairgrounds, back into the county property. And basically that was in the new paving project, the redecorating of the Grace pavilion, the large exhibit hall at the front and we plan

to continue with a similar program in the next few years bit at a time, you know, did a tremendous job of proving the appearance of the ground. People commented on that throughout the fair heard it many times you've explained to us what satellite wagering is, so

to speak, but why is satellite wagering so very important to the fair? Well, satellite wagering as I mentioned really has helped us generate the funds that we can put back into the fairgrounds And there's two sides to that one when we simulcast army during our live

fair, expanding our market and then the year round facility, we have which generates revenue 360 days a year basically generates $800,000 in revenue for us. And between those two things that basically generates the surplus monies we've generated in the last few years, how, how large now

as a result of your edition of a few things a few years ago, is the fairgrounds in size approximately. It's 100 and 80 acres right now. 100 and 80 acres. That's a huge facility. It is, it is very large. Although with the city growing especially down

in that southeastern direction, it may not be large enough. As far as we are concerned, we have a tremendous amount of area devoted to parking over on the left, which we need all the time. But that takes up a tremendous amount of ground. It's a revenue

builder, but it does, but you know, it may seem at times like it's just empty space, but to really conduct the fair with the kind of crowds that are accustomed to coming here, we, we really need it. You know, the only other alternative would be to

build a multi story parking garage. And I don't think that's realistic persuade everybody to take local transit well, which would be great. And we probably should look at programs. So that's something we probably would probably be looking at in the future. The fair, as I said

earlier is a heck of a fine bargain. $4 to meet your adult to the fair to do a tremendous number of things. How do you manage to maintain such low prices? Especially when I know this last year, most of the other fares went up a buck

or two. Yeah, they did. Local fairs are all at $5 now and the state fairs at $6 and that's for adults. One of the things, you know, we have the $4 for adults, but we also charge Children 7 to 12, only $1 which is way below

most other fairs and then kids up to six years old are free every day. Absolutely. And getting back to your question, the way the way we've done that is, is really with our, the strength of our race meet and with our simulcasting and it reflects a

commitment from the fair board and from the fair manager, jim moore and as well as the board of supervisors to maintain a low gate price, uh, one of the things we want here, we want the local citizens to come to the fair and we want them

to come more than once and that's why we, we really advocate the $4 gate. Well, I know roger during the fair, I don't know how many you can tell me, but during the fair, I know there's one hell of a lot of people working out there,

They're all over the place necessarily. So, but how many people do you employ during the fair and then how many people do you employ a year round? About 850 during the fair working just for the fair? I really don't know, but I have to say it

was double that if you considered all the people working for the concessionaires carnival absolutely year round, there's about 50 people who work for the fairgrounds. It varies from season to season. Obviously it builds as we start to prepare for the fair. I think the thing that

surprises people that are not aware of this is the amount of work that must go on during the off season to keep everything off. Yeah, in particular with the Hall of Flowers, which is something we haven't even discussed, but we did a survey in 1989 and

that is the overwhelming favorite of the public as far as an attraction at the fair. But the construction on that actually begins in april and the design work on it starts right about november of every year. Well, I talked to Jackie Jeffrey this last year and

I said now you've got a nice show, this is your third one in a row, when will you start on the other one? And she says tomorrow, the next year? She said you know the day after the affair is over, practically or the weekend start the

mind starts thinking of how to alter the structure inside so you can do another fair and many times. I know the flower show manager, director creator will use one kind of a theme and then figuring next year use something else. We won't have to do quite

as much work, which is good common sense. Oh yeah. And we encourage that because As you, as everyone saw this year with the large pyramid structure, there's a great deal of construction work that goes on with that and unfortunately only about 10% can be used more

than one year. You know, we'll talk about this before next year's fair. Certainly we have you folks back over to visit but as best you can right now tell the folks how can a family save money on the fair like with carnival tickets, admissions, that sort

of thing. You know, that's, that's a real good question. Rich and I'm glad you asked that probably the most expensive event at the fair is the carnival and one surefire way to save money on that is to buy tickets in advance of the fair. We offer

a book of 50 ride coupons for $15 in advance of the fair. They go off sale as soon as the fair starts. But that's a substantial savings, that's 40% off the single ticket price of 50 cents a ticket. So that's one sure fire away. And also

starting next year we're gonna be offering a discount on those tickets to any Sonoma Express card. They'll get an additional 10% off. And we also sell admission tickets in advance. You can buy a book of 10 admissions for $30 bringing it down to $3 in admissions.

And you know, there's nothing that says that you and your neighbors can't share that book. So if you can't come 10 times you can find somebody who will come five and split it. Well, a lot of people could, you know, take two families absolutely go a

couple of times to buy two books for $60 and it just saved himself $20 admission cost. So what we were saying is $4. It makes it a good value. $3. Makes it a much better value. Absolutely. And just to elaborate on that a little bit more

rich, there's also Carnival pay one price days. You send out schedules in advance. All you need to do is call the fair office 545 42 100. And we'll send you a schedule in advance of the fair showing the pay one price days, which gives you unlimited

rides for the price this year was $10. 1 of the fair days for 1991. We're looking at july 22nd through august 4th right now. Now that there's some discussion that we might go to a 16 day fair 16 it's a possibility would be great. All right.

Now one of the plans for future fair improvements were down to about a minute and a half. Okay, well we want to continue uh, with the trend. We've started, we're looking at dressing up the Mexican village this year as well as the chris beck arena. With

the success of that judge show last year. We want to expand the seating up there. We want to continue with some roofing on some of the buildings. There will be a variety of other things, but I'm sure they'll be noticeable for next year. How can the

public keep in touch with the fairgrounds and find out what, what's going on on a regular basis? That's a good question. Uh, all you need to do is call us again at our number. You can get on our mailing list and we send out a monthly

newsletter. We will be sending out a detailed magazine, so to speak, of the 1991 fair. And you can also call our fairgrounds events line which tells about ongoing events at the fairgrounds. And that's 5 to 832475 to 83 to 47. You just picked it up and

dial it and it'll voice will tell you what. Yeah. And that one is good on any kind of phone, touch tone or rotary phone? It's 5 to 8 Fair. If that makes it easier to remember. If you want to know what's going on then. Call 5

to 8 Fair. Roger. We're out of time. Okay, It's been a pleasure rich. Yeah, it is. I think you people are doing a splendid job out there and I commend you for your last few years of successful affairs. I'm sure you're going to continue. Gentlemen. We've

been talking to Roger Hayes controller for the Sonoma County Fair and we've been talking about the beloved Sonoma County Fair and then also the fairgrounds of what goes on there during the rest of the year. My name is rich McGlinchey, the program, Sonoma County in the

90s. Be back with you next week with another member of the county government family. Until then. Good night, good luck and good health to each and every one of them.