Big Fresno Fair will host CEOs from other fairs

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- They don't call it the "Big" Fresno Fair for nothing. The fair has become so successful, state leaders are paying it a visit Thursday morning to see how they can save other struggling fairs.

State cuts have slashed the budgets for many fairs in the state, leaving the smaller fairs that rely on funding vulnerable to shutting down.

The Big Fresno Fair stopped receiving any state funding and has been self-sustaining for about eight years.

The State Senate Ag Committee will hold a hearing with CEOs from other fairs at the fairgrounds to discuss ways to keep them sustainable.

"We want to learn from what this fair is doing to be successful so we can mirror it with the other fairs without the state. So we want to talk to one that's doing well. This is a fair that's doing well," Said State Senator Anthony Cannella.

Around half a million people come to the Fresno fair each year, generating about $68 million in revenue for the county.

"It says a lot about what we do here and the job that we've done over the years and the improvements that we've made," said Stacy Rianda with the Big Fresno Fair.

The hearing will begin at 8:30 Thursday morning at the turf club located inside the grandstands. It is open to the public.

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big fresno fair, entertainment, carlos saucedo

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