“The Heart of Petaluma”
Help us preserve this crucial community asset and a signature part of Petaluma’s rich historical legacy.
Save Petaluma Fairgrounds
(Home of the Sonoma-Marin Fair)
Saving the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds starts with being informed. Here is a brief overview of the lease history and extension efforts. The goal now is to engage the community and ensure a “robust public input process” takes place, as promised by the Petaluma City Council.
Fairgrounds Lease History
- In 1911 the residents of Petaluma voted to pass a 20-year $20,000 bond to secure the property and buildings for the fairgrounds we rely on and today.
- In the 1930s the 4th District Agricultural Association (DAA) was established to manage the fairgrounds year-round.
- In 1936 the City of Petaluma leased the property to the 4th DAA for 10 years at $1/year. This lease was renewed under the same general terms in 1947 (for 25 years) 1972 and again in 1998 which secured the 4th DAA’s operation of the grounds through the end of 2023.
Lease Extension Efforts
- For over 20 years the 4th DAA has made numerous proposals and use re-imaginings at the cost of tens of thousands of dollars in an effort to extend the lease past 2023.
- Unfortunately, the City Council has not engaged in or granted a single meeting with the 4th DAA over this time.
- In early 2019 the City Council finally promised the community (and the 4th DAA) a “robust public input process” to isolate the public needs and desires for the fairgrounds.
- As of October 2021, the City Councils’ engagement with the public on specific fairgrounds use has been limited and with the 4th DAA non-existent.
- However, the 4th DAA and the Friends of the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds (FOSMF) are committed to fulfilling the promise of a “robust public input process” originally promised by the City Council in 2019.
- Over this time, the 4th DAA and the FOSMF have facilitated public poles, surveys, town hall meetings (2), community cruises (2), and a constant presence at all monthly City Council meetings.
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How You Can Help
- Contact the Petaluma City Council directly to voice your opinion.
- Join Friends of the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds (501c3) to participate in planning and outreach efforts.
- Donate to Friends of the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds to support their efforts.
- Engage on Facebook & Instagram to spread the word and stay up to date.
- Learn how the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds impacts, supports, protects, serves, educates and brings together our diverse community.
- Discuss your passion and the importance of this treasured property with your circle/community.
How to Donate
Please make checks payable to:
Friends of the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds
Mailing Address:
ATTN: Friends of the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds
175 Fairgrounds Dr.
Petaluma, CA 94952
What’s at Stake
We stand to lose a place to showcase our youth in agriculture, a place to go in an emergency, and many other year-round services that bring us together.
The History
We have overcome many obstacles throughout the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds trials and tribulations. How this next chapter ends depends on your support.
Get Involved
There are many ways you can help us save the Petaluma fairgrounds! Attend an event, write a letter, follow us on social media, and more.
Petaluma Fairgrounds analysis sparks fear among Sonoma-Marin Fair supporters