Napa County Fair Association Undergoes Restructuring

NAPA COUNTY, CA -- After managing the Napa County Fairgrounds for nearly 83 years, the Napa County Fair Association has undergone a restructuring to, it says, "adapt to changing times and to continue to remain viable and relevant in serving the community."

The organization's new chapter includes a new board, new vision, and new opportunities that support the county fairgrounds as a public gathering place for future generations. As of this week, the board has amended its Articles of Incorporation to open up opportunities for any adult resident of Napa County or areas serviced by a Napa County zip code to support, donate, or serve as a board member.

"By becoming more accessible, NCFA hopes to recruit influencers interested in preserving their 80-plus year tradition of celebrating Napa’s agricultural heritage," the County Fair Association said in a statement. "These changes will also allow for a newly appointed board of directors focused on fundraising and program development. With the right resources in place, NCFA is optimistic that it will be able to continue to host year round community events and activities that bring families together for years to come."

Although the newly restructured NCFA said it plans to heavily focus on preserving the Napa County Fair and community events, it also says that it has given consideration to finding a long-term, sustaining solution to the infrastructure needs of the fairgrounds in Calistoga which as of Dec. 31, 2018, will no longer be NCFA’s responsibility.

The association said it's hopeful that the new governing agency will invite it to continue to raise funds and resources to renovate and upgrade the facilities for the community’s benefit.

To date, what began as an endeavor to find sustainable solutions has resulted in a state of limbo for the organization and its employees. One step in the restructure process was the recent issue of layoff notices.

"It was always the board’s plan to keep existing staff in place during the transition of governance. However, with the contract expiring in just weeks they felt it was important to give NCFA staff enough notice to secure new employment," the Association said in its statement.

Currently, NCFA staff is in the throes of producing the 49th Annual Christmas Faire to be held the first Saturday in December. The community event, which is free to the public, is looking for volunteers.

Interested parties can sign up at www.CelebrateNapaValley.org/ChristmasFaireVolunteer. More information about volunteering, upcoming events, or the Napa County Fair Association is available at celebratenapavalley.org.

Image courtesy of NFCA