Friends of the Napa County Fairgrounds

The fairgrounds can be a great community unifier! It should have a strong Hispanic component with cultural events and opportunities for this segment of our community and for the enjoyment of all. Think of all the Hispanic holidays and accommodate them in fairground events. Consider rodeo, music, dances and a 4H like farm and agriculture events. Get plenty of input from the Hispanic community.

The Fairgrounds is near and dear to my heart. It was my first job outside of working in our vineyards. I've been a fan and an official with the Northern Auto Racing Club for years and don't want to lose the races. You might want to look into the deed to the property, I have heard that it was given to the County as a place to provide community events. I'm not sure the County even has the right to sell it!

The Fairgrounds, if at all possible, should be purchased by Calistoga! We need our representative (whoever replaces Diane Dillion needs to be on board with supporting this). It is exciting to learn there are community members committed to preserving the open space and recreation area of the historical Napa County Fairgrounds! Attached please find the program I referenced when talking to you this morning. I noticed on the website you have some pictures from it.

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Regaining access to the fairgrounds means everything. I'm quite certain that much of the maintenance could be done by private individuals. We need the fairgrounds to be open again. Without the various venues, many folks (especially ones who cant afford to wine taste, will stop coming.

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It is imperative that we save the Fairgrounds. I just read through all the comments and there are some great ideas and a lot of potential volunteers. It would be an amazing thing for Napa County to “gift” us the property that we donated to them originally! I’m interested in resurrecting the Fiar and I would LOVE to see the campground up and running. I’d even be willing to volunteer to make it a lovely place again. I LOVED the comment by the gentleman who works with Airstream and would love to do a long-term lease! I fully support that and would gladly keep my Airstream there as well.

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The county is still allowing the Calistoga Art Center to rent the Cropp Building on the fairgrounds.

Support the art center by taking a class or becoming a member.

Growing up in Calistoga, the fairgrounds always seemed a vital part of this community. In recent years, it has certainly proven its worth as an open space for fire crews as we endured such horrific fires. The golf course is a wonderful asset to this community from many perspectives. Unfortunately, too often today, development for the greatest profit clouds the long-term vision and closes the mind to consider what would benefit the community at large.

I love the many comments and enthusiasm shown here.  I support all these ideas and feel that with the right direction the fairgrounds/Golf Course/race track/RV Park will be very successful and self-supporting. I believe the fairgrounds could accommodate big-name entertainers, concerts, and music festivals and be the perfect venue for events throughout the entire year.

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The entire property should be purchased as a whole. The land was originally donated to the County in order for it to be used for community events. Please do not use it for housing! Loved the Napa County Fair growing up, it was the highlight of my summer. Would love to see it back. The Napa Town & Country Fair used to have a food alley with various local organizations able to sell food/wine/beer as fundraising activities. Would much rather see that than a bunch of vendors. People like to support community activities and charities.

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The Napa County Fair was always a big part of life growing up in Calistoga, and the Fairgrounds were the center or activities throughout the year, from football and baseball games, social gatherings at the Butler Pavilion and Tubbs Hall to the sprint car races, not to mention the campgrounds and the golf course. Tubbs Hall even served as a temporary site for basketball games when the high school gym burned down in the early 60's. I'm sure life in Calistoga has changed a great deal from my times there in the 1960's and 70's, but it would be a shame for the facilities to deteriorate and no longer be of use to the community. Hoping that things can work out for the best for the people of Calistoga.

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The space needs a semi-circular bandstand with a large lawn before it. Rodeos and 4H need to take place. Give some space for cowboys. Save this precious space for all, including visitors, to enjoy. Support the arts, the parks (what the dogs and all of us need), the sport of golf. Take the values that we like and grow more. Imagine the best.

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We are in full support of the RV park being expanded and opened back up. I would be happy to come for a work weekend. Please keep the pricing reasonable. When we have stayed with you we have spent money in town. We eat dinner out, we go to the bakery, we buy in the book store. We buy shoes at the shoe store. We buy wine at the wineries. We shop at CalMart too. We can do this because it is affordable to stay with you. We look forward to the day we can come and stay with you again! We support your endeavor and wish you all the best! Vintage trailer weekend would bring in money. The remark from the gentleman who is affiliated with Airstream is interesting as long as they don't price regular families out of the park. $45 a night is OK whereas $100 is a non-starter. Keep it reasonable so folk can spend money in town. Like others on here, I would be glad to work a volunteer weekend and I live in Sacramento!

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This is what makes childhood memories. This is what summers are about. Fairs and animals and food. Such a sad day when we no longer have these facilities to share with our children and grandchildren

This open space has proven its worth to the community and beyond through the recent fire years.

walking park, dog park, community center, health and fitness, community garden. I want to volunteer in whatever capacity is needed.

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We have enjoyed the fairgrounds and would like them to bring our community and friends together again. The RV Park will bring income to help the grounds stay active. The race track brings a different crowd, but is enjoyable for those who enjoy the sport! The Butler building has held many celebrations year-round and for all the organizations in town to show their participation in our community! Our family comes to visit and participate in the activities at the fairgrounds, fun for the whole family! The golf course is in need of tender loving care, but a great time for those who enjoy the sport and activity. Let's do all we can to support the transfer of the property from the Napa County back to Calistoga. It is in need of so many upgrades and work and lots of funds! The county should show some goodwill and transfer the property back to Calistoga so we can get to work on bringing it back to its glory days!

We need to save this valuable community asset.

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What is the possibility that the golf course becomes a city 9 hole exec course--what would be needed as a non-profit to support this effort?? Could the large wineries be a part of a board to help keep it alive, along with membership share ownership of interested community members.....or a city effort -much like they raised money for the community pool? Please inform or educate me on why that could not be pursued??? 

Besides bringing back the races, cultural events, annual county fair, I'd like to see the farmers market moved to the fairgrounds property. It would provide more parking and more room for expansion. Please add me to your list of supporters, and your email list. Thank you!

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Bring back the county fair
Evacuation center
Concerts
Firefighters bingo
Cinco de Mayo celebrations
Craft shows
Doll shows
Art shows
Community holiday dinners

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Check out California state law proposal AB 672.

GOD BLESS THE fAIRGROUNDS...Let us all stick together!!

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Happy to be in touch on this important effort. Well done!

Happy to get involved. We have been Calistoga residents since 1971 and live right across the street from the fairgrounds. Happy to help in simple ways. Not an organizer but a worker.

I'm interested in restoring, rebuilding the garden, trellis, flower show area and helping to get the flower, veggies and potted plants back into the fair.
 

Has a GoFundMe account been started? We got the community pool with donations.

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Thank you so much for creating this site and all your work on this effort. I am very passionate about saving the Fairgrounds and now have a tool to share with others.

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My area of greatest interest is the RV facility. You have probably noticed that I am a vintage trailer buff. I would love to be able to help make that facility thrive.

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Hoping to keep Beauty and history in town of Calistoga.

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How can I help in the effort to save the Fairgrounds and golf course, and RV Park----In addition to being a public benefit as an Emergency site (fire, earthquake, floods, etc)--it could be a revenue stream for the city and the community! Event Center --year-round entertainment, craft fairs, art fairs, wedding venue, quincenera's Community Events, Corporate conference center, retreats etc.

Combined with the Executive Golf course ---supported by private/public funding; along with an opportunity for local community members to join as a community golf-club.

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I am for keeping the Fairgrounds and recreation areas in tact.

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I am on board to help. Love to keep the fairground here in Calistoga

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I am so glad someone is trying g to save this place that has so many memories for so many Calistogans

I appreciate your effort to develop a plan for the fairgrounds. Is a plan for the golf course also a part of the discussion?

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I could help with historical data research if you let me know what I am looking for. Thanks for all you are doing!

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I have been frequenting the Fairgrounds there since 1963, mainly for sprint car racing, though we did attend the fair a few times, and got a “Best of Show” award for a photo we entered around 1980. I think the history of the facility is important to preserve!

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I have photos of events, Native sons/Native Daughters crab feeds and some Mt St Helena golf men's club

I really hope that Napa County will come to its senses and resume the conversation for the sale of the property to Calistoga. Is there anything legally that we can do to force their hand?

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I think the fairgrounds and the golf course should remain open to the public! I would hate to see it developed for other than it was used for!

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I want to play golf again @Mt. Saint Helena golf course and watch Sprint car races again.

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I was raised in Napa, showed animals at the Napa Co.Fair, Raced at the Race track. It would be a Shame for all this history to go away!!!

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I'd like to learn more about the background of the issue and perhaps get involved in evaluating management alternatives, fundraising, and grant procurement. How can I get up to speed on the issues? Thanks

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I'm a golfer and very interested in helping to have the course brought up to speed and operating again. I'm available to volunteer.

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I'm a young (23) conservative graphics designer, fairly social media-savvy, looking to help preserve our local fairground however possible. I have a couple of ideas, and look forward to the opportunity to help out with this!

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I'm the former President of KOA and now work with the largest Airstream dealer in US. We have Airstream dealerships in San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. We are expanding into RV Parks to serve our Airstream customers and would enjoy discussing the long-term lease of the former Calistoga RV Park. I think we would be a perfect fit for your efforts and plans for the fairgrounds.

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I’m a 3rd generation Calistogan and would love to offer my support to keep the fairgrounds a true community asset. I have had talks with Chris Canning re: the golf course as that portion of the property is closest to my heart. Please include me in future communications.

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In addition to preserving the buildings and stands of the fairgrounds, my highest priority is in getting the RV park back up and running. If that park was properly maintained and managed, it would cover a LOT of the costs of fairgrounds upkeep, as well as providing a much-needed RV campground in the upper valley.

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Leave the Fairgrounds as they are, The Fairgrounds.

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Let's save the fairgrounds for future generations

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Let's try and save the fairgrounds - someone should do a Freedom of Information Act request to the city to obtain all correspondence regarding the fairgrounds.

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Looking to sign up for updates. I’d love to see the fairgrounds saved and improved!

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Love the fairgrounds. Great memories going to the fair and bazaar as a kid and want my kids to have great memories of the fairgrounds too.

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Open the recreation vehicle campground now before the summer is over everyone is traveling in motor homes and campers this summer. We need visitors to help save our economy. The rest of fairgrounds can be reopened as soon as possible

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Please don’t take a huge part of Calistoga’s history away!

Revenue to business owners and the best people in the world.

Racing people love deeper.

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Please sell the Napa county fairgrounds in Calistoga to the city of Calistoga I grew up in Calistoga Thank you. 

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Worked the Races for my dad 1975-1979. We need to help.

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Would love to help out with this. Let me know about the events. Live off of Maggie Ave, just across from the fairgrounds and golf course.

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Yes, it’s about time something is being done. Calistoga should be in control of the full 70acres.
Are the resorts and hotels supporting this, they should be.

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Yes. I would like to be a part of this movement to save the Napa County Fairgrounds as a public resource for the good of the people and to help consider ways that it could maintain the best practices and services of its past and envision new ways it could evolve to be even more valuable for our community and its visitors.

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My primary interest is in saving the Calistoga Speedway. Though I live in Sonoma, I have attended dozens of events at the Speedway over the past 35+ years. I have brought many out-of-area friends to these races, and they have all commented on the natural beauty of the Speedway's location. The Speedway has benefited the community directly: in 2017 it hosted a racing event that raised a reported $250k for the Boys & Girls Clubs of St.Helena & Calistoga. Also, the Speedway would be an excellent setting for a medium-scale musical event (NOT BottleRock!) such as those presented at many county fairs throughout the Midwest during the summer months. Thank you for your attention.
"The Napa County Fairgrounds and Calistoga Speedway have been a part of our life for decades. We've had many good meals in town and the area on race weekends. Spent idle hours touring local wineries on weekends when there were multiple nights of racing. The heritage of the fairgrounds and the area are locked together in our hearts and minds. To see it sitting idle with no improvements planned is hard to fathom from a business perspective. How can the decision-makers not see the loss to the region of allowing this great asset go uncared for?

Time to step up and preserve this wonderful place for the future.

Thank you.

Please don't let the Napa County Fairgrounds fade off into the sunset. I have been attending races at Calistoga Speedway since 1979. Over the years I have been able to bring many new people to the fairgrounds and they have returned year after year enjoying everything Calistoga has to offer. Unfortunately none of us have been back due to closure of Calistoga Speedway. Once the track returns we will all be back in force. Thank you! 

Been going to the track for years. I know a lot of the business people in Calistoga and they tell us how much money track brings in to them! The track also should be registered as a historical landmark and that way it will stay a racetrack forever!

I would like to see the Calistoga fairgrounds saved and refurbished. I've been a participant and spectator to the seasonal races at the track and it would be a shame to see that go away. Please consider the history of such a fabled race track that should be preserved.

From my first visit to the speedway in 1970's till today the town of Calistoga has been one of my mandatory stops in N. Cal. I raced there with the WOO in 1994 and 1995 but always make a point of directing people there and always stay in the immediate area. I'm very concerned that losing this facility for auto racing will be a big loss to the community and take away a source of entertainment and sports for all of the west coast. I live north of Seattle and so many of us have spent time and money in Calistoga for years. There are many wineries and other tourist attractions in the area. There is only one Calistoga Speedway. Let me know what is being done please. At a minimum I'll write a letter perhaps get others to do the same. Please advise.

I’ve been going to Calistoga my entire life which consists of 62 years. I got involved in racing in Calistoga in 1981 and by far it is the most picturesque racetrack I’ve ever been to and to have anything happen to it would be a total travesty.

Please don’t let anything happen to this place it’s, it’s special place to my entire family and all the memories we have there.

My grandfather owner the restaurant on Main Street Reeder‘s café in the late 60s and early 70s Please preserve this is storage place for generations to come

I fully support preserving the historically important Napa County Fairgrounds and the Calistoga Speedway which is the gem of the West Coast, N California as well as the Pacific Northwest. Preserve and protect this precious and important fairground and Speedwa from any future attempts to desecrate and destroy the property so that future generations may enjoy and pass their enthusiasm on to their children, friends and racing family.

What a great community effort to bring the Fairgrounds back to life as an integral and rich part of Calistoga. It is a shame Napa County has mis-managed the Fairgrounds for decades when there is so much potential for the Calistoga community.

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As the Fairgrounds were once ‘Gifted’ to Napa County, wouldn’t it be nice to have the County ‘Gift’ the Fairgrounds back to Calistoga? We should remind and encourage the Napa County Supervisors to do the right thing.

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This is a community asset which is being wasted. With proper leadership and management, the RV park, Raceway, Golf Course, and buildings can become fiscally sound. The Presidio in San Francisco is a good example of a previously mis-managed/not managed public property which has been brought back to life with fiscal and public/community success.

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What a fantastic opportunity for all of Calistoga and Napa County.

Love the fairgrounds.  Great memories going to the fair and bazaar as a kid and want my kids to have great memories of the fairgrounds too.

Open the recreation vehicle camp ground now before the summer is over everyone is traveling in motor homes and campers this summer. We need visitors a help save our economy. The rest of fair grounds can be reopened as soon as possible.

Please don’t take a huge part of Calistoga’s history away
Revenue to business owners and the best people in the world
Racing people love deeper. Save preserve history 
Napa county fairgrounds

The county is still allowing the Calistoga Art Center to rent the Cropp Building on the fairgrounds. Support the art center by taking a class or becoming a member.
The fairgrounds can be a great community unifier! It should have a strong Hispanic component with cultural events and opportunities for this segment of our community and for the enjoyment of all. Think of all the Hispanic holidays and accommodate them in fairground events. Consider rodeo, music, dances and a 4H like farm and agriculture events. Get plenty of input from the Hispanic community.
The Napa County Fair was always a big part of life growing up in Calistoga, and the Fairgrounds were the center or activities throughout the year, from football and baseball games, social gatherings at the Butler Pavilion and Tubbs Hall to the sprint car races, not to mention the campgrounds and the golf course. Tubbs Hall even served as a temporary site for basketball games when the high school gym burned down in the early 60's. I'm sure life in Calistoga has changed a great deal from my times there in the 1960's and 70's, but it would be a shame for the facilites to deteriorate and no longer be of use to the community. Hoping that things can work out for the best for the people of Calistoga.
The space needs a semi-circular bandstand with a large lawn before it.  Rodeos and 4H need to take place.  Give some space for cowboys. Save this precious space for all, including visitors, to enjoy.  Support the arts, the parks (what the dogs and all of us need), the sport of golf.  Take the values that we like and grow more.  Imagine the best.

This is what makes childhood memories. This is what summers are about. Fairs and animals and food. Such a sad day when we no longer have these facilities to share with our children and grandchildren
This open space has proven its worth to the community and beyond through the recent fire years.
walking park, dog park, community center,  health and fitness, community garden. I want to volunteer in whatever capacity is needed.

We are in full support of the RV park being expanded and opened back up. I would be happy to come for a work weekend. Please keep the pricing reasonable. When we have stayed with you we have spent money in town. We eat dinner out, we go to the bakery, we buy in the book store. We buy shoes at the shoe store. We buy wine at the wineries. We shop at CalMart too. We can do this because it is affordable to stay with you. We look forward to day we can come and stay with you again! We support you endeavor and wish you all the best!

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Vintage trailer weekend would bring in money. The remark from the gentleman who is affiliated with Airstream is interesting as long as they don't price regular families out of the park. $45 a night is OK whereas $100 is a non starter. Keep it reasonable so folk can spend money in town. Like others on here I would be glad to work a volunteer weekend and I live in Sacramento!

We have enjoyed the fair grounds and would like them to bring our community and friends together again.  The RV Park will bring income to help the grounds stay active.  The race track brings a different crowd, but is enjoyable for those who enjoy the sport! The Butler building has held many celebrations year around and for all the organizations in town to show their participation in our community! Our family comes to visit and participate in the activities at the fairgrounds, fun for the whole family! The golf course is in need of tender loving care, but a great time for those who enjoy the sport and activity.

 

Let's do all we can to support the transfer of the property from the Napa County back to Calistoga.  It is need of so much upgrades and work and lots of funds!  The county should show some good will and transfer the property back to Calistoga so we can get to work on bringing it back to it's glory days!

Worked the Races for my dad 1975-1979. We need to help.

 

If you wound like good information about pasted events at Napa fairgrounds go to:
1.  Countyofnapa.org/library
2 Go to databases
3. Napa county newspaper
4.  Weekly Calistogan
5. Napafairgrounds and year

What you are doing is WONDERFUL.  Unfortunately my volunteer days are behind me.  I'm grateful to each one who has accepted the torch that has been passed to you.
Do you do fundraising?  How would I donate to the cause?  Would my contribution be tax deductible?
Please add me to the list! And thank you for all you are doing!
are you planning to re-open the rv park?  Do youknow when??

 

I welcome the opportunity to assist in restoring the Fairgrounds property to recreational use by locals and visitors.

We’d like to know more about what your ideas, plans and interests are in Calistoga keeping the Napa County Fairgrounds property.   Scott send me an e-mail and give me your phone number and a good time to chat...Thanks!

Please don’t let the fairground and speedway go by the wayside. My family has enjoyed the facility for decades!

This race track is classic and needs to be kept for future generations. There are a limited number of races each year that need to continue. World of outlaws are great races.
Long time Calistoga Speedway fan. Needs to be saved!

What are you doing to preserve the racetrack and the history of its Motorsport activities for decades?
Save the fairgrounds and speedway. A lot of memories and I would like my granddaughter to have them too.