Board approves 2025 fair association budget; ownership and future of historic organ clarified

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors approved the El Dorado County Fair Association’s 2025 budget, received the association’s five-year strategic plan and an independent financial review, and disbanded the fair ad hoc committee at its Jan. 13 meeting.

Cathy Duncak, chief executive officer of the Fair Association, summarized the 2025 fair results and near-term priorities: junior livestock auction sales exceeded $1.1 million; attendance and vendor revenue increased; the association hired additional seasonal staff; and capital work is planned for restrooms and concession upgrades. Duncak also said the sheriff’s office has provided security services for the fair in recent years.

A point of substance in the presentation was clarification of ownership of a historic pipe organ kept on the fairgrounds. Staff said recent research showed the instrument belongs to the Fair Association, not the county. Duncak said restoring the organ in place with plumbing and restroom work to make the building rentable would cost in excess of a quarter-million dollars. A second option discussed was moving the organ to the county museum, which would require museum modifications.

Supervisor Parlin encouraged broader outreach and potential fundraising by the historical society and county partners should the board want to preserve and display the organ for public access.

The board voted to approve the fair association budget and disband the ad hoc committee; staff noted that if the association later pursues land purchases or other changes the board can reappoint an ad hoc for negotiation of amended agreements.

What’s next: staff will document potential ownership clarifications in agreements with the association, and discussions about the organ’s preservation will continue with the historical society and museum staff.