When the Sonoma-Marin Fair opens Wednesday, June 23, Petalumans can rest assured that there will be at least another 13 years of the events and attractions it brings - but city leaders are hoping for more.
City and fair officials both say that they want to extend the lease at the fairgrounds, which expires in 2024. That date may seem far off, but fair organizers say they need certainty about the fair's future before they begin planned improvements to facilities.
"We've been here for 70 years, and we'd like to be here forever," said Patricia Conklin, fair manager.
Fair officials wish to add solar panels, fix aging barns and make other improvements at the site, but say long-term assurances that the fair will stay are needed before they do.
The City Council has stated for the past two years that renewing the lease is a priority, but so far negotiations have stalled.
"Before I spend any time on it, we have financial issues we have to deal with," said City Manager John Brown.
Mayor Pam Torliatt said that she hopes to address the fair lease soon now that the budget has been approved.
The fair has been in its current location since 1937, on land that the city bought in 1911 for $20,000. At that time the site was on the eastern outskirts of town. The fairgrounds has now become the middle of town - and prime real estate - after development east of Highway 101.
The last formal talks on a lease extension happened in 2008, with a proposal to extend the lease to 2060. A master plan was also discussed to divide the 60-acre property into specified uses, including possibly opening some land up to development and including more space for city property like ballfields and a police station.
Councilmember David Rab-bitt said that all of those iss-ues have yet to be discussed.
"Besides the planning issues, I think the important thing is for the fair to stay in Petaluma and stay at that location," he said.
Future discussions will center on the length of the term, control over the use of parts of the land, and potential revenue streams, said Brown.
"There needs to be revenue sharing and better utilization of property by the city and the fairgrounds and the public," said Torliatt.
The city currently charges the fairgrounds $1 per year for the land, the same as in 1937. Brian Sobel, a member of the fair's board of directors, said that amount reflects the public benefit that the fair provides and "recognizes the contribution that the fairgrounds makes to the community."
"I don't have a problem with the amount of rent that we charge," said Rabbitt.
Conklin said that while people appreciate the site during fair season, many don't realize the other events that happen year-round.
Fair officials sub-lease parts of the site for car shows, an Airport Express stop and more. The fairgrounds also hosts motorcycle shows, circuses, wine competitions, quince-a?ras and other events.
"We'd obviously be interested in the lease extension," said Sobel. "It's not a five-day-a-year facility - it's a 365-day-a-year facility."
(Contact Philip Riley at philip.riley@arguscourier.com)
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