Gold Country Fairgrounds elects new leadership, deals with State Fair date changes

At its first meeting of 2026, the Gold Country Fairgrounds Board noted two primary challenges it will face in the next two years – adapting to the State Fair changing its dates to September and developing strong consistent funding. The Fairgrounds Board voted in new leadership, electing Keri Askew-Bailey as president and approving Corinn Crowley to serve as the interim Chief Executive Officer while the Fair Board continues the search for a permanent CEO to replace Don Ales, who retired Dec. 30. "The fairgrounds need our guidance," said Crowley, who is also a board member appointed in October 2023. She will assist with directing fairgrounds administration under legal guidance to keep her duties clear and distinct for each position. In December, the State Fair announced its plans to move its event from July to Sept. 17 through Oct. 3 in 2027, placing it on the heels of the Gold Country Fair. State Fair officials declared the move permanent. The Gold Country Fair has historically taken place during the second weekend of September. While the dates do not overlap directly with the State Fair, the close proximity could bring challenges with securing concessionaires, vendors and amusement park operators. The fairgrounds also need to maintain a strong and reliable funding stream. Though legislation enacted in 2025 (AB 258) directs that 2 percent of the gross receipts of taxable sales made on fairgrounds be returned to the fairs, fairgrounds still must generate enough revenue to maintain their operations. In 2025, the fairgrounds received around $44,000 from the state for an operating budget of around $2 million. Crowley noted that in addition to integrating into the community better, the board needed to work on reclaiming some of the events it lost in the past and finding innovative ways to earn revenue. "We are in a bridge-building mode," said Crowley. One option the board will explore is the possibility of establishing a year-round RV park like Cal Expo and Nevada, Monterey, Humboldt, Solano and Yolo counties among others. The Gold Country Fairgrounds currently has nine camping spots with no hookups or facilities.