Agenda - 05-21-2013 - 8c - Laserfiche WebLink

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I • Financial prognosis and the type of information needed to evaluate the financial viability of a fair in Orange County; • Infrastructure, stakeholder discussions, support services and structures, and ultimate location of a County Fair; • What additional information does the Board need to consider this concept? The attached report is meant as a discussion starter. Staff has gathered selected information about other county fairs, and offers a few case studies that are examples of different approaches to county fairs, but collection of much additional information and detail (including site visits to meet with fair organizers) has not yet occurred pending Board discussion. If the Board decides to pursue a venture in this area, further information - gathering will be needed this summer and fall, and the Board may wish to plan to visit a sampling of fairs this fall to gain firsthand insight into such an event. Due to the complexity of issues involved in putting on a county fair, and the need for significant organizational work, planning, and fund - raising, site visits this fall may enable organizational work to get underway. It is anticipated that a timeframe needed to organize a county fair would target fiscal year 2015 -16. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Unknown. The degree of County involvement will determine much of the financial impact of an idea, and costs associated with organizing, providing infrastructure and support services, site preparation and permit costs, and costs of actual operation are yet to be determined. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the report, discuss the possible parameters and nature of a county fair for Orange County, and provide direction to the Manager and staff on areas and topics for further investigation and study. The Board may also wish to 1) consider a desired process for any further exploration by staff, Board or future committee; 2) consider scheduling visits to a sampling of fairs this fall; and 3) discuss the potential to coordinate with existing non - profit entities or formulate a non - profit structure necessary to gain volunteer participation and other requirements of such an event.