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Fair staff outline 2026 capital projects, 250th-anniversary marketing and expanded concert lineup
Summary
Fair staff presented the 2026 capital improvement list and a high-level marketing plan that emphasizes the U.S. 250th anniversary theme, a time capsule, expanded concerts (named headliners), and active CapEx projects, while supervisors pressed for clearer budget reconciliation on projects running over allocation.
At the March 5 ad hoc meeting staff presented the Alameda County Fair’s 2026 capital-improvement (CapEx) priorities and a high-level marketing plan tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Staff highlighted active projects: the RV Adobe clubhouse remodel, RV campground restroom and laundry (A&E), a major grandstand staircase repair, the Sheriff's Lot asphalt project, audio Phase 7 work slated for pre-fair installation, and the Amador Pavilion wash-rack construction. Staff said some items are in architecture and engineering phases pending permitting and that several items printed on the draft CapEx list are works in progress. When asked about projects showing overrun, staff explained early purchases and procurement timing can inflate percent-spent figures before a project is near completion.
Marketing staff previewed a new brochure and a 250th-anniversary theme that will include special decor, banners, contests, and a time capsule to be sealed at the fair and opened on the 300th anniversary in 2076. Staff said they were coordinating with district offices and local partners to bring fireworks back for July 4, and they discussed operational coordination with the City of Pleasanton and public safety partners. Staff also described a sensory-friendly “quiet hour” on July 8 to make the fair more accessible for visitors with sensory needs; organizations in Alameda County will be offered free admission for an individual and caregiver on that morning.
On programming, staff named headline performers under discussion (Boyz II Men, Flo Rida, Tower of Power, a K-pop group, Banda Maguey and Gene Simmons) but said some contracts remained confidential or unsigned. Supervisors pressed staff about whether printed brochure materials were prematurely published on the website; staff said draft brochures and web listings are routinely updated and are marked "to be determined" in places and that web listings are changed as confirmations occur.
Supervisors also asked about cost controls and thresholds for returning projects to the board when budgets materially change. Staff described usual practice: capital allocations are set annually, scope changes triggering notable increases are returned for approval, and some variation during procurement is expected. Staff said a separate building-replacement planning item remains on the work plan and that grant-seeking would be required for large facility projects.
What’s next: staff will continue to refine the CapEx reporting detail for committee review; marketing will update the brochure and website as contracts are finalized and will coordinate fireworks and other 250th activities with city and public-safety partners.
