Turlock—Results are in from a study to determine the feasibility of acquiring a new site and developing a new Stanislaus County fairgrounds—it’s not financially feasible. 

    In February 2005, the Stanislaus County Fair Board voted to join the City of Turlock in a study to explore options that may allow for a relocation of the fairgrounds. The fair board had made no formal decision to relocate the fairgrounds, but agreed to participate in the study when the City of Turlock approached them about exploring alternate usages for the fair’s 72-acre parcel.

 The entities contracted with A. Plescia & Company, who presented their findings to the Stanislaus County Fair Board on Monday evening. 

The study concluded that the combined total of potential net sale proceeds from the existing fairgrounds site, combined with funds from potential public and/or private funding sources, would be approximately $9 to $14.2 million less than the preliminary estimated development cost of a new replacement fairground facility.  Cost for a new facility, including land acquisition, was estimated by Plesica & Company at $42.3 to $54.7 million.

    “Everywhere we turn, people are learning about rising building costs and escalating land values in the Central Valley.  The outcome of this report was consistent with those real estates trends,” said Tony Leo, chief executive officer of the Stanislaus County Fair.

            With the study now complete, fair officials will continue ongoing efforts to improve existing facilities and explore creative ways to provide relief of parking challenges on peak attendance nights during the fair. 

The Stanislaus County Fair’s 72-care campus includes five exhibit buildings, a full-service arena that can accommodate up to 4,467 guests in its grandstand, a full-service livestock area with nine livestock barns, a pavilion, a milking parlor, plus a 10,000 sq. ft. satellite wagering facility.

The fairgrounds serve as the site of an average of 150 interim rentals (public and private events) annually, in addition to the 10-day fair.  Events range from attendance of 15 to 225,000.  The largest non-fair event is the annual Model A Swap Meet, which is held each January and attracts 50,000 auto enthusiasts.

The Stanislaus County Fair is now in its 95^th year. The 2006 fair opens Friday, July 28 for a 10-day run.  Tickets go on sale on Saturday, May 6, for the fair’s celebrity concerts (to be announced), motorsports events and discounted fair admission and carnival tickets.  

The theme of this year’s fair, “Pig Out on Family Fun,” is sure to provide a good time for kids and adults alike. The fair has twice been honored with Modesto Bee Reader’s Choice Awards for “Favorite All-Around Event.”

The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, entertainment and technology. For more information about the Stanislaus County Fair log onto its website at www.stancofair.com

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