Alameda County Fair posts healthy 2025 finances and outlines conservative 2026 budget and programming

Association finance staff presented a detailed wrap-up of 2025 fair operations and a conservative budget preview for 2026 at the Dec. 8 meeting.

Vivienne Wu, the association’s chief financial officer, told the committee that the fair’s 2025 operations produced higher gross lines in several categories compared with 2024, including admissions, food and beverage commissions and amphitheater revenue. Staff noted a projected reduction in attendance tied to the absence of horse racing — an estimated 30,000 fewer attendees that could depress admission and parking revenue by roughly $450,000 — but said other programming (concerts, amphitheater acts, community promotions) helped offset that shortfall.

Staff also highlighted community-focused initiatives that contributed to engagement: a garden-party fundraiser, the Safeway Barn educational farm, partnerships with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and a free ‘Ticket to Summer Learning’ program for county elementary students. The association said youth livestock auctions returned nearly $1.3 million for 4‑H and similar programs, up 23% year over year.

For 2026 the board saw a conservative plan: a “Blue Ribbon” fair theme, a July 4 fireworks presentation tied to the U.S. semiquincentennial, and headline amphitheater acts including the Beach Boys and Tower of Power. The association submitted a county budget showing total revenues budgeted at about $27.3 million for the full year and a 2026 budgeted profit in the mid‑seven figures for the fair itself; staff said the numbers were conservative and that external audits for prior years are available on request.

The board asked staff to provide net operating income, capital expenditures and audited P&Ls for prior years in a follow-up packet to supervisors. No formal votes were taken; staff said they will return with more detailed capital prioritization and cash-on-hand reports.