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About Us/General Info

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Administered by the State of California's 37th District Agricultural Association, Santa Maria Fairpark’s rich history stretches from the first “Santa Maria Valley Fair” in 1891 to the present-day multi-purpose facilities. As the premier event center in the Santa Maria Valley, these facilities are the site of choice for a multitude of public and private events, highlighted each year by the Santa Barbara County Fair.
A Rich History…
The 37th District Agricultural Association was first formed in March 1891, with the approval of both houses of the California Legislature. The 37th District includes all of Santa Barbara County that lies west of Gaviota and north of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The Association is a sub-division of the Division of Fairs and Expositions, a branch of the Department of Food and Agriculture.
The Association’s mission is to showcase our community’s interests and talents, and offer opportunities for participation, education, and enjoyment by providing well-managed, multi-purpose, year-round facilities which promote agriculture, aerospace, industry, commerce and tourism.
The First Annual “Santa Maria Valley Fair” was held in September of 1891. By 1920, the fairgrounds were located at the 700 block of East Main Street and were officially named the “Santa Barbara County Fair”. The fairgrounds moved to Hancock Field adjoining Miller Street and remained there until after World War II, then moved to the present location at Stowell Road and Thornburg Street. In 2000, in an effort to create a new image, the facility was renamed Santa Maria Fairpark, “Home of the Santa Barbara County Fair.”
The facility serves as the hub of the Central Coast’s major events and community activities. Association sponsored events include the Annual Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival, attended by nearly 70,000 people and the Santa Barbara County Fair attended by over 150,000 people. In addition, thousands of visitors visit hosted events like trade shows, conventions, rallies, Hispanic dances and concerts, company parties, equestrian shows, wedding receptions and birthday celebrations.
The Association has a $2.5 Million annual operating budget. Funds are self generated through events and rentals of the facilities and grounds. The Santa Maria Fairpark is a state owned facility and is not supported by state or county taxes.
The 37th DAA has an obligation to support its communities by improving the quality of the Fair and the facilities and to create important venues for education, recreation, and entertainment. It is further responsible for providing a showcase for community pride and spirit to be enjoyed by all.
The Association actively promotes our area’s interests and has a long tradition of bringing our communities together to celebrate diversity. It further encourages healthy competition, generates enthusiasm, highlights special talents, recognizes achievements, honors outstanding contributions, enhances partnerships, promotes volunteerism, produces excitement, showcases unique interests and produces a wealth of healthy family activities and entertainment.
The policy-making body for the Association consists of nine Board Members who are appointed by the governor to serve four-year terms. The Board jointly establishes policies, then empowers the Chief Executive Officer and their professional staff to implement their decisions.


Mission & Vision Statement

Mission
To showcase our community’s interests and talents, and offer
opportunities for participation, education, and enjoyment by
providing well-managed, multipurpose, year-round facilities that
promote agriculture, aerospace, industry, commerce, and tourism.
Vision Statement
To provide every guest with a friendly, unique, and satisfying
experience, which consistently exceeds their expectations.
Values
We have an obligation to support all our communities and to
create important venues for education, recreation, and
entertainment.
The ideas and opinions of our employees, volunteers, and the
public, are essential in creating a successful, self-sustaining,
financially stable organization.
Providing a memorable showcase for community pride and spirit
will best represent the interests and desires of the diversified
communities we serve.
Maintaining a clean, safe and attractive environment
maximizes full use of our facilities and provides a positive
economic impact on our communities.
Year-round events and participation by people of all races, ages
creeds and cultures benefits everyone by promoting awareness
and ethic harmony. Change and competition makes us stronger
by providing opportunities for education, self-discipline, responsibility,
recognition and self esteem.
DOG POLICY

INTERIM EVENTS

Except for Dog Shows or guide dogs, dogs will not be allowed in buildings or in arena areas.

RV CAMPING AREA

All dogs kept by RV Campers and/or visitors in relationship with a trailer rally or activity held on Fairgrounds property must be penned up when left out of an applicable RV or other vehicle, and must be on a leash when walked by participant. Dogs found on grounds not on a leash and roaming are subject to being picked up by Animal Control Officers.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, FAIR, AND WEST COAST KUSTOMS CAR SHOW
No dogs allowed except for guide dogs.



DRONE POLICY
Drone flight is regulated by the FAA under the Code of Federal Regulations, which prohibit flight over people and inside of 5 miles of an airport. In order to protect the safety, security, privacy, and property interests of the 37th District Agricultural Association (37th DAA dba "The Santa Barbara County Fair" "Santa Maria Fairpark"), its employees, agents, contractors, and the public, any operation or use of unmanned aircraft systems, remote or radio controlled model aircraft of all types, shapes, and sizes, or any other similar devices (collectively "Drones") is strictly prohibited on the premises of the 37th DAA or within the 37th DAA's air right, without prior written approval from the 37th DAA. Please be advised that violation of this policy will result in immediate ejection from the premises of the 37th DAA and may subject to violator to a criminal trespass warning, or arrest for those who fail to comply.

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY POLICY

The Fairpark uses video monitoring equipment throughout the grounds as well as photography to capture event details. By entering the Fairpark you are giving consent to be recorded. Photographs may be used for promotional purposes.


RESTRICTED ITEMS POLICY

The following items are restricted from being brought onto the Fairpark grounds.

  • Outside Alcohol
  • Outside Food & Beverages
  • Bikes, pedicabs, Segway, hoverboards, or any self-propelled device
  • Bottle openers, cork screws
  • Dangerous weapons including any type of edged weapon including; knives impact weapons and electric pulse weapons.
  • All knives and cutting instruments, including box cutters, scissors, penknives, hunting knives, fishing knives, and “Swiss Army” style knives.
  • Sprays and pepper sprays
  • Laser pointers
  • Stunning devices
  • Offensive weapons
  • Illegal drugs or substances
  • CBD products
  • Hazardous and toxic materials
  • FIREARMS, EXPLOSIVES, & FIREWORKS
  • Any item deemed inappropriate or hazardous
ATTENDEES will NOT be allowed on premises with prohibited items. Restricted items must be left offsite or they will be confiscated and will NOT be returned.

SMOKING POLICY

Fair / Festival / Car Show SMOKING IS PROHIBITED Within 25 feet of the common commerce areas (Health and Safety Code Section 114371).

Government Buildings SMOKING IS PROHIBITED In all state, county, and city government buildings, as well as within 20 feet from their main exits, entrances, or operable windows, and in any passenger vehicle owned by the state. (Government Code Section 7596-7597).

SMOKING AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS ARE PROHIBITED Within 25 feet of a play, or recreational areas specifically designed for use by children, and within 250 feet of a youth sports event, which includes any practice, game, or related activity at which athletes up to 18 years of age are present. (Health and Safety Code 104495)


WEAPONS POLICY
It is the policy of the 37th District Agricultural Association (District) aka "The Santa Barbara County Fair" "Santa Maria Fairpark" that no person who enters District property is allowed to carry or posses a handgun, firearm, knife or other weapon of any kind regardless of whether the person is licensed to carry the weapon, or not.

The only exception to this policy will be Police Officers, Security Guards or other qualified persons who have been given authorization by the District to carry a weapon on the property.


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