Hello, Petaluma!
We are thrilled to let you know how the Sonoma Marin Fair will continue as the City takes over management of the fairgrounds property in January!
On Monday night, our City Council approved an agreement with the 4th DAA that continues their tenure operating our annual fair while also allowing our community to enjoy the fairgrounds year-round under local taxpayer control. This action marks the culmination of the City’s commitment made last October when the City Council directed staff to negotiate an agreement with the DAA to ensure the continuation of the annual fair with minimal disruption.
On January 1, the City will assume management of the fairgrounds property and has executed agreements with each of the existing tenants for this period of transition. This will minimize disruptions as we allow year-round public use of this taxpayer-owned property.
We want to hear from you about how you would like to use the community’s fairgrounds site while our community decides how it wants to use the fairgrounds into the future. See below for feedback options!
Click HERE to learn more, read the staff report, or watch a video of the meeting on December 18, 2023.
How Petaluma Took Back Control of Our Fairgrounds
For the last 80 years, our Fairgrounds have been leased to a state agency, the 4th District Agricultural Association (4th DAA) for $1 per year. The lease expires December 31, 2023, at which time the property will transition back to local control.
Local management of our Fairgrounds means all the events Petalumans know and love will continue (including the annual fair and speedway races). Residents will also enjoy greater access to the property in the form of parks and open spaces, facilities rentals for the community, bike and pedestrian paths, a farmers’ market and more. It also means that Petaluma can improve public safety and plan for the future.
Community Access is Now Possible! Fill Out an Inquiry Form Today!
With the fairgrounds property managed locally by the City of Petaluma, we are excited to to continue to engage with residents and explore new community programming. The facilities and community spaces will also be available to reserve for private activities and special events.
Have an event or activity you’d like to hold at the Fairgrounds? Contact us to learn more and share your vision with a staff member:
- Fill out the inquiry form
- Email: [email protected]
- Call: 707-778-4380
What do you want to see at the Fairgrounds?
As Petaluma regains local control over the Fairgrounds, we want to know your priorities for the property. Help us rank the most popular ideas from our community to help determine what happens next, as we prepare to Master Plan the site with you in the coming years. You can also share your ideas, thoughts and concerns on the survey at our website at cityofpetaluma.org/fairgroundsupdate.
JOIN OUR PETALUMA TEAM!
The City of Petaluma is looking for talented people to join our team! Please click the links below for more information about our open positions. CLICK HERE for a full list of career opportunities.
Associate/Senior Civil Engineer
Police Officer (Current Academy Attendees and Graduates)
Public Safety Dispatcher – Lateral
Senior Transit Planner (Grants Management) / Transit Planner II
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The City of Petaluma is hard at work for our community. Please check out our upcoming meetings and click on the links below for more information:
January 3, 6:30pm – Climate Action Commission Meeting
January 8, 6:30pm – City Council/PCDSA Regular Meeting
January 9, 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
January 11, 4:00pm – Transit Advisory Committee Meeting
January 17, 3:30pm – Tree Advisory Committee Meeting
January 17, 6:00pm – Recreation, Music & Parks Commission Meeting
Check for upcoming meetings, agendas, and how to participate on the City’s meeting webpage: https://cityofpetaluma.org/meetings/