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Humboldt County Fair Board asks supervisors for $30,000 to support 2026 fair
Summary
The Humboldt County Fair Board requested $30,000 from the county for the 2026 fair, outlined recent capital improvements and said about $204,000 remains on loans taken for new buildings installed after 2019; board members pressed for revenue and accounting details.
The Humboldt County Fair Board requested $30,000 in county support for the 2026 fair and described investments and volunteer efforts aimed at keeping events running and safe.
Jeff Hazelden, speaking for the fair board, told supervisors the board unanimously requested the same $30,000 appropriation the county has provided in past years and summarized recent upgrades: two new buildings installed after 2019, additional LED lighting, improvements to motocross and grandstand areas, enhanced Wi-Fi for announcing, and replacement of equipment to improve safety and efficiency. Hazelden said the board operates year-round with about 16 volunteers and provided a draft schedule for the July fair.
Hazelden disclosed the fair carries roughly $204,000 in remaining debt from building projects begun after the 2019 season, with monthly payments “just over $2,000” and a favorable local-bank interest rate. Board members asked about revenue sources: Hazelden said campground and camper rentals provide off-season income and that recent fundraising and community donations covered about half the cost of a new filtration system. Marcus Gatewood was introduced as a new board member.
Supervisors asked for documentation needed for county accounting and compliance. County staff said a written agreement (a county rent/service agreement) will be prepared so the payment and services are traceable in county records. Hazelden left a packet of materials with the county.
The board did not take immediate formal action on the request during the presentation; supervisors indicated they would consider the funding in the upcoming budget process and follow up with the paperwork needed to document the county's support.
