WHEREAS, As early California communities were developing, the demand for fairgrounds in the Golden State emerged rapidly, so fairgrounds were established to address the communal necessity to maintain a platform for farmers, artisans, and inventors to showcase their products and produce; and

WHEREAS, The California Legislature founded the State Agricultural Society in 1854 to address the demand to hold a statewide exhibition of livestock and agricultural products; and

WHEREAS, The initial success of the State Agricultural Society served as a catalyst for the establishment of California’s first State Fair, hosted in 1854 by the City of San Francisco, where agricultural exhibitions were organized to showcase local produce and livestock; and

WHEREAS, The Dixon May Fair of 1876 was California’s first county fair and was vastly different from the fairs Californians cherish presently because it was a community picnic of sorts to honor the Spring season; and

WHEREAS, Soon after the Dixon May Fair of 1876, the tradition of counties hosting fairs accessible for all Californians to enjoy spread throughout the Golden State, with each region developing its own unique customs and flair; and

WHEREAS, Senate District 4 hosts the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee, one of the longest running fairs in the state with roots back to 1893, that draws a crowd of approximately 40,000 guests each year to participate in the Jumping Frog Jubilee inspired by the short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” by Mark Twain; and

WHEREAS, California’s 77 fairgrounds and 78 fairs serve the entire state with some of the most notable fairs including the California State Fair, the San Diego County Fair, the Big Fresno Fair, the Alameda County Fair, the Amador County Fair, and the Los Angeles County Fair; and

WHEREAS, Fairgrounds host a wide array of events, from county fairs and agricultural expositions to concerts, trade shows, and festivals, attracting millions of visitors annually who stimulate local economies by driving demand for hospitality services, including hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments; and

WHEREAS, California’s fairgrounds provide safe public facilities specifically designed for animals, pets, and livestock during the fair season, natural disasters, and states of emergencies; and

WHEREAS, During a state of emergency, a natural disaster, or the ongoing impacts of climate change, California fairgrounds are called into service as medical sites, staging areas for emergency equipment and emergency personnel, and evacuation sites to assist those displaced by a fire or flood; and

WHEREAS, One of the primary functions of fairgrounds is to celebrate and preserve California’s rich agricultural heritage and to emphasize the significance of agriculture, helping to ensure that this vital industry continues to thrive; and

WHEREAS, Fairs offer a platform for programs foundational to the agricultural education of youth, including Future Farmers of America, the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom, and the National 4-H Council, to educate the public and students by hosting displays of livestock, produce, and horticulture and by offering insight into sustainable farming practices and the latest advancements in agricultural technology; and

WHEREAS, Competitions, including those for best livestock or produce, encourage excellence and innovation in the agricultural sector; and

WHEREAS, Fairgrounds play a crucial role in economic development and business growth by serving as vibrant hubs for community engagement, commerce, and tourism, and are pivotal in nurturing economic vitality and fostering a thriving business ecosystem across the state by providing small businesses with unique opportunities to showcase products, launch new offerings, and engage directly with consumers; and

WHEREAS, Fairgrounds often partner with local educational institutions to promote agricultural education and innovation, contributing to workforce development in key sectors; and

WHEREAS, Fairgrounds expend and generate hundreds of millions of new dollars for nonprofit organizations, youth organizations, cities, counties, small businesses, and the state’s General Fund; and

WHEREAS, Fairgrounds offer a space for community engagement and interaction, where the bonds of friendship and community are strengthened; and

WHEREAS, The future of fairgrounds lies in their ability to adapt to changing social and economic landscapes while preserving the traditions that make them so beloved and as California continues to grow and evolve, so too must these iconic venues to remain operational; and

WHEREAS, By providing a space for community gathering, economic activity, and cultural celebration, fairgrounds will remain an integral part of California’s identity as they are not just a part of the state’s history, but a vibrant and essential element of its future; now, therefore, be it