The Governor Is Selling The Orange County Fairgrounds
- on 04.11.10
- Orange County Store
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Orange County, California will lose an enormous amount of revenue if the Orange County Fairgrounds property is sold. The Orange County Fair alone earns in excess of $6 million each year with an increase each subsequent year. The Orange County Fairgrounds is much more than just a large piece of land. It is a proven safe family environment, year round earner for the county, and a powerful tourism generator. Many Orange County residents take pride that their fair is one of the biggest and safest county fairs in the nation.
The Orange County Fairgrounds Adds Value to the County and Populace
The Orange County Fairgrounds is a 150 acre parcel of land that hosts many public events throughout the year. The most popular, largest, and biggest revenue earning event is the annual Orange County Fair. According to All Business (1997), “The 1997 Orange County Fair drew a record 785,994 guests (AB, Aug. 4). Admission revenue totaled $2.7 million, also a record. Estimated interim revenue for the 1997 calendar year is $6.4 million. The 1996 interim revenue total was $6.1 million” (Orange County Fair Will Keep Ticket Prices Same, para. 2). Not only does the Orange County Fair boost tourism, but it also gives aid to local hotels and motels that experience their biggest influx of visitors during this period. Some of the less successful businesses depend on the annual glut of business during the fair event. The Orange County Fair has a long track record of being a family-safe event as well. Compared to the Los Angeles County Fair, another annual fair known for over-crowding, traffic, and gang activity the Orange County Fair is a positive public relations event for Orange County.
During the off-season the Orange County Fairgrounds are host for many other events that also stimulate the local economy. Each weekend, rain or shine, the Fairgrounds host one of the largest swap meets in California. Many local businesses are represented at the swap meet. In addition to the swap meet, the larger venues play host to trade shows such as arts and crafts, gun, and dog shows. The Orange County Fairgrounds also has a large amphitheater that hosts live concerts for many talented artists both currently popular and also historically popular acts. These concerts are another boost to tourism as many people come in from out of town to attend. In addition to the earning potential, the Orange County Fairgrounds also has educational value. The Fairgrounds has several barns and corrals that contain animals such as cows, horses, and pigs as well as large plots of land dedicated to gardening. Children often visit these areas and educational tours are available free. Signage and informational material are posted for educational purposes for all visitors to take advantage of.
State Government Use of Long-Term vs. Short-Term Critical Thinking
The state of California is experiencing a financial crisis and has a multi-billion dollar budget deficit. Recently, the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, with the aid of financial analysts and advisors have created and published a list of state owned properties that he intends to put up for sale. The Orange County Fairgrounds is on this list and even though there is a general uproar over the decision, Serna (2010), “The governor has expressed pretty clearly that no matter what he’s selling the property” (City, state talk sale, para. 4). The sale of the property could earn millions of dollars for California yet it is a short-term solution to a long-term problem and will have far-reaching effects for the Orange County. The funds earned from the sale may go to different parts of California, not just to Orange County. This sale will also eliminate a large revenue source for Orange County as well as affect the local economy and tourism industry.
The Orange County Fairgrounds is a tremendous source of financial revenue, local tourism, and positive public relations for Orange County. Sale of the property will cost the county more than just a lost revenue stream but also a source of pride and identity for its residents. The state government in proposing the sale of the 150 acre parcel of land has not applied critical thinking skills to the larger picture. The long-term local effects of the sale greatly out-weigh the short-term statewide benefits. The financial analysts and politicians in Sacramento are looking at their bottom line and don’t realize that they will be negatively effecting a historically high earning county.
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