Butte County Fairgrounds

What Butte County Fairgrounds does

Butte County Fairgrounds is a county-owned fair association headquartered in Gridley, California, operating since 1946-1947. It is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors led by CEO Matt Reed, with Kari Wheeler as Board President, and operates as a not-for-profit entity owned by Butte County. The organization's flagship product is the annual four-day Butte County Fair (scheduled for August 27-30, 2026), which features grandstand events (rodeo, Flat Track MotoX Racing, Destruction Derby), livestock shows, competitive exhibits, vendor concessions, and a Kids Zone entertainment area. Beyond the fair, the fairgrounds operates year-round as a multi-use venue with venue rentals (10 rentable facilities including the 10,200 sq ft Expo Hall and Grandstand Arena with 2,725+ seating capacity), an on-site RV park (daily $50, weekly $200, monthly $700), and — beginning in 2026 — a municipal partnership operating the Gridley Swimming Pool for the summer season.

The organization generates revenue across six distinct streams: fair admission and grandstand event ticketing (via Ticketspice), venue rental fees ($600-$4,400 per event), RV park occupancy, swimming pool admissions ($2/person) and swim lessons ($60/child), sponsorships (Gold Ribbon, Corporate, Blue Ribbon tiers), and vendor concession fees. Applications for venue rentals, vendor booths, and sponsorship packages are processed through Regfox, while livestock entries use Showorks. The customer base is diversified across local families, RV travelers, event organizers, agricultural exhibitors, regional sponsors, and food/retail vendors, with no single customer segment dominating. Marketing relies primarily on the official website (buttecountyfair.org), word-of-mouth, a network of 75+ local sponsors, and the Miss Butte County Royal Court's outreach at approximately 40 community events annually.

There is no proprietary technology stack; the fairgrounds operates as a community-rooted, event-driven venue business with 79 years of brand history. Strategic direction has emphasized programmatic expansion (Ambassador division added 2024, new grandstand events, municipal pool operations) and ecosystem development (Kids Zone sponsorships, advisory committee formation) rather than geographic or technological scale.

Name

Butte County Fairgrounds

Legal name

Butte County Fair Association

Website

https://buttecountyfair.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Butte County Fairgrounds is a county-owned fair association in Gridley, California that operates the annual Butte County Fair, year-round venue rentals, an RV park, and a seasonal public swimming pool, serving local families, event organizers, sponsors, and agricultural exhibitors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fairgrounds and Event Venue Services

NAICS

Amusement and Theme Parks (713110), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Family, Kids & Education Fairs (MPAGAFAH), Family & Recreation Campgrounds (Amenities/Activities Focus) (THAMAJAJ)

Keywords

• County fair operations
• Venue rentals
• RV park
• Aquatic recreation
• Event hosting

Headquarters

HQ city

Gridley

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Fair Admission & Ticketing: Revenue generated from ticket sales for fair admission. Ticket sales are handled through the Ticketspice platform. Fair attendance spans four days (Thursday through Sunday) with varying public hours.
2. Venue Rentals: The fairgrounds generates revenue by renting out its facilities including buildings (Veterans Memorial Hall, Expo Hall, Butte Hall, Jake's/Goldie's, Concession Building) and grounds (Sheep Barn, Beef Barn, Carnival Grounds, Courtyard Stage, Grandstand Arena, The Refuge). Rental fees range from $600 to $4,400 depending on the venue and whether it is a private or ticketed event.
3. RV Park: The RV park generates revenue through daily ($50), weekly ($200), and monthly ($700) rental fees. Additional revenue comes from pool access fees ($2/person) and RV dump fees ($20). Monthly rent is due by the 5th of each month.
4. Swimming Pool & Swim Lessons: The Gridley Swimming Pool operates seasonally (June 8 - August 9, 2026). Revenue is generated through per-person admission ($2), season passes ($35/person), family passes (4 members for $120, +$15 per additional member), and swim lessons ($60/child for 8 lessons over a 2-week session).
5. Sponsorships: Sponsorship revenue is generated through Gold Ribbon, Blue Ribbon, and Corporate sponsorship packages, which are sold through an online Regfox form. Sponsors receive recognition on fair materials and at the event. The fair actively recruits local businesses to become sponsors as a way to support the community.
6. Vendor Concessions & Fees: Vendors pay fees to participate in the fair, including food concessions, Sportsmans Expo/Farmers Hall vendors, and grounds vendors. Applications are submitted via Regfox. Vendor guarantee is applied upon contract signing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Butte County Fairgrounds operates the annual Butte County Fair along with year-round recreational amenities including an RV park, a public swimming pool, and event/venue rental facilities. The organization produces community events, livestock and agricultural exhibitions, and provides gathering space for private and corporate events in Gridley, California.

Product overview

Butte County Fairgrounds operates as a multi-faceted event venue offering the annual Butte County Fair as its flagship product, along with year-round venue rental services. The facility comprises buildings and grounds that can be reserved for private events, weddings, conferences, and public gatherings. Additional offerings include an RV park with hookups, a seasonal public swimming pool with swim lessons, livestock exhibition programs with species-specific competitions, competitive arts and crafts exhibits, the Miss Butte County Scholarship Program for youth, a Kids Zone entertainment area, and grandstand arena events including rodeo, motorsports, and demolition derby. The fair operates on a seasonal basis with the annual fair typically held in late August.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,725+ maximum seating capacity at Grandstand Arena
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Western Physical TherapyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Kids Zone at the Butte County Fair 2026. Western Physical Therapy provides rehabilitation services in the region.
• The Home DepotminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Kids Zone at the Butte County Fair 2026. The Home Depot is a national home improvement retailer supporting the family-oriented fair activities.
• Enloe FoundationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Kids Zone at the Butte County Fair 2026. Enloe Foundation is a healthcare foundation associated with Enloe Medical Center.
• Taylor AccountancyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of the Kids Zone at the Butte County Fair 2026. Taylor Accountancy is a local accounting firm in the region.
• Gridley Swimming Pool (City Partnership)coreOthers · 1 January 2026The Butte County Fairgrounds operates the Gridley Swimming Pool as a public recreation facility beginning June 8, 2026. This is a public swimming pool operated by the fairgrounds for community use, with affordable admission ($2/person) and swim lessons.
• Ag West Farm CreditcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Ag West Farm Credit is a regional agricultural financial services provider supporting farming and ranching operations. Their sponsorship supports the community fair event.
• BMO BankcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. BMO Bank is a financial institution providing banking services in the Gridley area. Their sponsorship supports community event visibility.
• Orchard HospitalcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Orchard Hospital is a healthcare provider in the Butte County region. Their sponsorship supports community health connection and fair visibility.
• Pape MachinerycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Corporate Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Pape Machinery is an agricultural equipment dealer with locations in California. Their sponsorship provides equipment-related support and community visibility.
• Butte County Farm BureaucoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Butte County Farm Bureau is a local agricultural organization representing farmers and ranchers in the county. Their sponsorship reflects the fair's agricultural roots.
• SafewayminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Corporate Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Safeway is a major grocery retailer with a location in Gridley. Their sponsorship provides community visibility.
• Deer Creek BroadcastingcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Corporate Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025 and listed as a media sponsor. Deer Creek Broadcasting provides radio broadcasting services and likely provides media coverage for the fair.
• Action News (KSNF/KODE)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Corporate Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025 and listed as a media sponsor under 'Action News Now'. Provides media coverage for the fair event.
• KRCR and Fox 20 NewsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Listed as a sponsor on the fair homepage. KRCR is a regional television news station providing media coverage for the Butte County Fair.
• RecologyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Corporate Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Recology is a waste management and recycling company serving Northern California.
• Casa Lupe MarketcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Casa Lupe is a local market/grocery store in Gridley. Their sponsorship provides community support and local visibility.
• Candelario Ace HardwareminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Candelario Ace Hardware is a local hardware store in Gridley. Their sponsorship supports community event visibility.
• Gridley Country FordcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Gridley Country Ford is a local Ford automobile dealership in Gridley, California.
• Anderson Dragline InccoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Anderson Dragline is an excavation and heavy equipment company in the region.
• The Cookie TreeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. The Cookie Tree is a local restaurant in Gridley. Their sponsorship supports community visibility.
• Les Schwab Tire GridleyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Les Schwab is a regional tire and automotive service company with a Gridley location.
• Grange Co-opcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Gold Ribbon Sponsor of the Butte County Fair 2025. Grange Co-op is an agricultural supply cooperative serving farms and ranches in Northern California.
• V&R MotorsportsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent organizer for the Destruction Derby at the Butte County Fair 2026 Grandstand events. V&R Motorsports handles driver registration and event coordination for the demolition derby.
• TicketspicecoreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party ticketing platform used for online fair admission and Grandstand event ticket sales. URL: buttecountyfair.ticketspice.com. Provides the technology infrastructure for ticket purchasing.
• RegfoxcoreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party application platform used for venue rental applications, vendor applications (food concessions, Sportsmans Expo, grounds vendors), and sponsorship package purchases. URL: buttecountyfair.regfox.com.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Yolo County Fairgrounds: Yolo County Fair Association operating the annual Yolo County Fair in Woodland, CA, with venue rental facilities. Comparable regional fair operator in the same Northern California agricultural belt with similar size and structure.
• Orange County Fair & Event Center: County fair association operating the annual Orange County Fair and year-round venue rentals in Costa Mesa, CA. Closest direct peer in operating model — annual county fair plus facility rentals, RV-related accommodations, and event programming — though at much larger scale and urban location.
• Nevada County Fairgrounds: Nevada County Fair operating the annual Nevada County Fair in Grass Valley, CA, plus venue rentals and community events. Comparable Northern California county fair operator with similar facility-rental-plus-annual-fair model.
• Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds: Regional fair association operating the annual Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, CA, plus year-round venue rentals and community programs. Directly comparable Northern California county-level fair operator with similar rural footprint and product mix.
• Stanislaus County Fair: Stanislaus County Fair Association operating the annual Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock, CA, plus event facility rentals. Directly comparable Central Valley county fair operator with agricultural roots and similar product offerings.
• Glenn County Fairgrounds: Glenn County Fair Association operating the annual Glenn County Fair in Orland, CA. Adjacent-county peer of similar size and rural agricultural profile, directly comparable in scale and product mix.
• Ventura County Fairgrounds: Ventura County Fair Association operating the annual Ventura County Fair plus year-round event venue rentals in Ventura, CA. Directly comparable county fair operation with similar mix of fair, livestock, venue rental, and community programming.
• Tehama District Fairgrounds: Tehama District Fair operating the annual Tehama District Fair in Red Bluff, CA, with venue rental facilities. Directly comparable smaller Northern California fair operator in the same agricultural region with similar rural community focus.

Others

• Kampgrounds of America (KOA): Large national campground and RV park operator. Comparable only on the RV park component of the fairgrounds' business; provides benchmark for RV park operations, pricing, and amenity standards even though KOA does not operate fairs or event venues.

Broad incumbents

• Cal Expo (California Exposition & State Fair): State-level fair operator in Sacramento running a much larger annual California State Fair plus year-round events. Same fundamental model (annual fair + venue rentals + community programming) at significantly larger scale; serves as the umbrella peer for California fair organizations.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/butte-county-fairgrounds

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Butte County Fairgrounds