Mission Statement
Fairplex is a nonprofit enterprise that serves as a place, a convener and a creator of
memories to strengthen the community and economy through arts and entertainment, agriculture,
education and commerce.
Guiding Principles
- Public Benefit - Committed to doing good in everything we do
- Guest Experience - Placing our guests at the center of what we do
- Partnership - We are at our best when we partner with others
- Sustainability - Committed to being financially healthy and environmentally friendly
- Uniquely Southern California - Celebrating the best of our community
What is Fairplex?
Fairplex is the name for the 487 acres that Los Angeles County Fair Association
(LACFA) uses for conducting the Fair and year-round business. Between 1941 and 1952, a
total 421 acres of the land belonging to LACFA was deeded by the Association to Los
Angeles County as a gift and in return the Association received a long-term ground
lease. The remaining acreage is still owned in fee by the Association.
Why is LA County Fair Association a nonprofit?
As a 501(c)5, we have these primary objectives in our charter of nonprofit
business operations to advance and promote:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Industrial and other interests of Los Angeles County
- To operate and maintain county fairs and expositions for the exhibition of
livestock, dairy, poultry, household and fine arts, and school and educational
exhibits
- To acquire land, develop our land or make improvements for the benefit of the LA
County Fair
As a community benefit organization, we continually reinvest our profits into our facilities,
people, programs and community. Besides employing 300 year-round employees and nearly
1,700 FTE jobs during the Fair, LACFA provides millions of dollars of benefit in cash
and in-kind donations to education and community programs. We are pleased to help
organizations and people from throughout Southern California as we work to build
stronger communities.
What is The Learning Centers?
LACFA also oversees two 501(c)3 organizations called The Learning Centers at
Fairplex and the Fairplex Child Development Center. It is no exaggeration to state that
the Fair Association oversees one of the most highly recognized unique learning
complexes in California for all ages. With a mission to fill unmet educational needs and
provide opportunities to build stronger communities through early childhood, leadership,
career and technical education programs, The Learning Centers today provides nearly $5
million of educational programming and is supported with nearly $1 million in overhead
support plus buildings, infrastructure and land from the LACFA to operate each year.
Serving more than 150,000 “students” each year (more than 600 daily outside
of the Fair event), The Learning Centers provide a continuum of learning for students of
all ages. The significance of our programs is evidenced by our innovative partnerships
with prestigious colleges and universities like Cal Poly Pomona, The University of La
Verne, The Claremont Colleges, Mt. Sac and also all school districts in our surrounding
communities. The Learning Centers campus features a museum, agriculture farm, automotive
education workshop, classrooms, art studios, continuing education programs and
school-linked educational field trips throughout the year.
Strategic Planning
In 2018, Fairplex adopted a five-year Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan focuses
on three main priorities: Fairplex
events, Fairplex as an economic engine and Fairplex as a community partner. Initiatives
have been created for each of
these, with a timeline for each, as well. The Plan includes information from a recent
Economic Impact Report conducted
by Beacon Economics. The report shows the financial impact Fairplex has on the city of
Pomona, Los Angeles County, the
state and the country. For example, Fairplex provides more than $2.7 million in tax
revenue, and an additional $5.8
million from Fairplex-related events. The Strategic Plan lays the framework for
Fairplex’s immediate future, and scope
for the next 100 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Los Angeles County Fair Association, a nonprofit, mutual benefit organization, has
operated the fairgrounds in Pomona, California since 1922. As a 501 (c)5, mutual benefit
organization, it is part of our very existence that we focus on giving back, making a positive
impact on our guests and on our community. Through our efforts, we work to improve the quality
of life for all those who experience the Fair Association and its events and activities, whether
as guests, learners, neighbors or associates.
From its inception, LACFA has managed and produced its signature event, the LA County Fair.
This time-honored tradition continues today, serving as an important cultural, educational and
economic contributor to the region. The Fair event remains the single most impactful activity on
the Fairgrounds in terms of job creation, economic impact and just plain fun. In support
of our mission, LACFA has also grown to include many other businesses and events on the
property. Each of these activities contributes to the character and definition of Fairplex
as a regional entertainment and educational destination and plays a role in the future growth of
our company.
LACFA is financially self-supporting and does not fall under the auspices of any county or state
governmental body.
What is the Los Angeles County Fair Association?
The LA County Fair was first held in 1921 on farm land owned by local families that
wished to showcase the industries and values of Southern California. The largest industry
at that time was agriculture.
In 1922 the operations and running of the Fair was entrusted to the Los Angeles County Fair
Corporation and later reorganized into the business entity called the Los Angeles County Fair
Association, made up of community volunteers. The Fair has been at the Pomona site since
1922 except during World War II, when the Federal Government asked that the land be used for war
defense activities.
LACFA is the same private business that was formed years ago, governed by volunteers from the
community.
What is Fairplex?
Fairplex is the name for the 487 acres that LACFA uses for conducting the Fair and
year-round business. Of the 487 acres, over 200 acres are privately held by LACFA. Between
1941 and 1952, a portion of the land belonging to LACFA was deeded by the Association to Los
Angeles County as a gift. The remaining acreage is under a long-term lease with the County of
Los Angeles.
Is the LA County Fair different than other county fairs?
Yes, in many ways. First, it is one of the largest of all the county fairs in
California in terms of acreage, revenue and employees. Second, the LA County Fair is
governed by a private not-for-profit, 70-member Business Association, 11 of whom are elected to
serve as Board of Directors for defined terms
LACFA is a private, nonprofit 501(c)5, self-funding organization that is not governed by the
county or state, and receives no government subsidies for daily business operations.
LACFA oversees many other business activities other than just the Fair. With $90 million in annual
revenues under our control, our business model is more complex than typical county fairs. We
operate a hotel, multiple RV parks, storage facility, food & beverage company, two 501(c)3
organizations, a horse auction company and an equipment rental business.
Why is LACFA a nonprofit?
As a 501(c)5, we have three primary objectives in our charter of nonprofit
business operations:
- To advance and promote
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Industrial and other interests of Los Angeles County
- To operate and maintain county fairs and expositions for the exhibition of livestock, dairy,
poultry, household and fine arts, and school and educational exhibits
- To acquire new land, develop our land or make improvements for the benefit of the LA County
Fair
We are special type of not for profit business. As an 501(C)5 association our articles of
incorporation are on file with the Secretary of State and confirmed by with the Federal
Government. This means that every year since 1922, we provide a community benefit and our
profits go back to people, programs and community. Besides employing 300 year-round employees
and nearly 1,700 FTE jobs during the Fair, LACFA provides millions of dollars of benefit in cash
and in-kind donations to education and community programs. We are pleased to help
organizations and people from throughout Southern California as we work to build stronger
communities.
You’re a nonprofit. Do you still pay taxes?
As a special type of not-for-profit operation, the Los Angeles County Fair Association
runs the LA County Fair, a 501(c)5 in September and several other for-profit businesses
year-around at Fairplex, including an award-winning child care center, a hotel,
restaurant, RV parks and more. These year-round businesses bring into the region over $90
million dollars in annual revenue, which is equivalent to impact of holding a Super Bowl every
year.
Profitability
We evaluate profitability through EBITDA (Earnings before interest, depreciation,
taxes and amortization). This reflects the actual cash we, as an organization, have on
hand each year to service debt and reinvest in capital. This is the term that banks use in
determining the financial soundness of any business. The Fair Association has a strong
EBITDA. While we have operated with a positive EBITDA every year of operation, our financial
statements sometimes reflect a different measure of profitability due to depreciation, bond
values and other factors that on paper may represent a gain or loss but actually have no impact
on our accessibility to funds.
The Fair Association has a strong bottom line, with sufficient cash reserves that satisfy all of its
commitments to myriad financial partners.
What other activities does the Los Angeles County Fair Association operate?
In order to keep the Fairplex site operating in the 11 months when the Fair is not
open, the Association realized that it needed a source of revenue to keep the lights on, pay for
upkeep and construct new buildings. Over 30 years ago it began operating on a year-round
basis. We operate a hotel, multiple RV parks, storage facility, food and beverage company, two
501(c)3 organizations, a horse auction company and an equipment rental business. Every day
some activity is occurring at Fairplex and the Fair Association is receiving visitors from
around the world
What is The Learning Centers?
LACFA also operates a 501(c)3 organization called The Learning Centers at
Fairplex. It is no exaggeration to state that the Fair Association oversees one of the
most highly recognized unique learning complexes in California for all ages. With a
mission to fill unmet educational needs and provide opportunities to build stronger communities
through early childhood, leadership, career and technical education programs, The Learning
Centers today provides nearly $5 million of educational programming and is supported with nearly
$1 million in overhead support plus buildings, infrastructure and land from the LACFA to operate
each year. Serving more than 150,000 “students” each year (more than 600 daily
outside of the Fair event), The Learning Centers provide a continuum of learning for students of
all ages. The significance of our programs is evidenced by our innovative partnerships with
prestigious colleges and universities like Cal Poly Pomona, The University of La Verne, The
Claremont Colleges, Mt. Sac and also all school districts in our surrounding communities.
The Learning Centers campus features a museum, agriculture farm, automotive education workshop,
classrooms, art studios, continuing education programs and school-linked educational field trips
throughout the year.
Clean Hands are Healthy Hands
Given today’s atmosphere of heightened concerns over healthy behaviors, Fairplex is re-stating our guidance on hand washing.
The safety of Fairplex guests and employees is our No. 1 priority. We are in the business of helping families make good memories, but even more important to that, our goal is to ensure that when they are here, they have a safe and fun experience.
The safety measures the Fair proactively encourages include a hand-washing campaign. Clean hands are safe hands. Please follow these guidelines:
- Stay home if you notice any cold/flu symptoms.
- Make sure everyone washes their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If you don’t have access to a hand-washing station, use hand sanitizer.
Fairplex will provide extra hand sanitizers throughout the campus.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbows or a tissue that is disposed of immediately after.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and avoid touching our eyes, nose and mouth.
- Remember: clean hands are safe hands.
Employment
Fairplex Careers
Fairplex is Southern California's premiere Event & Entertainment Center and home of the annual
L.A. County Fair. There are more than 500 diverse, multicultural and experiential year
round events on our campus, featuring some of the largest consumer and trade shows, meetings,
expositions, conventions, inter-track wagering, sporting and agricultural events in the country
held at Fairplex every year. The Los Angeles County Fair Association is a 501(c) 5 nonprofit
organization and is the parent company of eight separate entities.
Job Openings
These entities include:
- Event Production Solutions, LLC
- Fairplex RV and Boat Storage, LLC
- Fairplex Enterprises
- Sheraton Fairplex Hotel
- Child Development Center at Fairplex
- Millard Sheets Art Center at Fairplex
- The Learning Centers at Fairplex
Our entire team strives to present engaging and entertaining experiences to all guests and visitors
by embracing the following core values: community service, education, creativity, hospitality,
integrity, leadership and diversity. We are an organization that entertains and educates a
diverse community while having fun.
Within our culture, we encourage upward mobility, value high performing team members, promote team
focus, and provide flexible hours.
Maps and Directions
Fairplex is located in Pomona and is conveniently reached from all points in Southern
California. Easily identifiable Fairplex signs are located throughout Pomona and neighboring
communities to direct motorists. Directional signs are also prominent along nearby freeways.
Location
1101 W. McKinley
Ave.,
Pomona, CA 91768
General Information Phone: (909) 623-3111
General Information email: info@fairplex.com
Drone Policy
The Los Angeles County Fair Association (LACFA), owner/operator of Fairplex, has
established the following Drone Policy for the Fairplex property:
A Drone or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is defined as a “powered, aerial vehicle that does not
carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or
be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a payload.”
In order to ensure the safety of all patrons at Fairplex, drones are allowed on the property with the
following requirements:
- Drones are not allowed inside any Fairplex facility during load in, show hours, and/or load
out without the express written consent of the LACFA.
- Drones are not allowed outside any Fairplex exhibit halls on the property without the
express written permission of the LACFA.
If the Lessee would like to use a drone, a written request must be made 30 days in advance of the
first show day and will need to be submitted to the Event Manager designated for the event at
Fairplex for review and approval. The following will need to be included within the written
submittal:
- Name of the pilot operating the drone
- All operators must show proof of a current FAA/UAS operator certificate
- Designation of a fly zone must be within the Licensee’s contracted approved rental
space.
- Pilot’s experience level and other events he/she has flown the drones
- Type of aircraft (Quad Copter, Helicopter, Airplane, etc.) and make and model
- Frequency used
- Proposed payload and payload weight
- Time(s) the drone will be in operation
- Location(s) the drone will be operated
- If a Lessee would like to attempt to fly the drone outside of the contracted exhibit hall,
the FAA approval must be secured prior to the event and presented to Fairplex
Management.
Lessee is liable for any and all damages to persons, property, and any litigation arising from the
use of drones or UAVs operating on Fairplex property or in any Fairplex exhibit hall.
LACFA and its employees shall be held harmless as a result of any operation of a drone or UAV on or
in and Fairplex facility.
Accessibility
Fairplex is committed to making our programs, events, services and facilities, and
information and communications technology accessible to everyone, in accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d).
Fairplex prides itself on providing complete and convenient access for all our guests with
disabilities. Many rides, shows, attractions, elevators and parking areas are designed to
comfortably accommodate guests in wheelchairs and other disabilities. There are designated
accessible entrances for all our attractions in the park.
All accessibility inquiries should be made to:
Fairplex
Attn: Guest Relations
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
Email Guest
Relations
We welcome all guests with disabilities to attend all events and offer the following services on
their behalf.
Restrooms/Washrooms
Wheelchair accessible washrooms are located throughout all Fairplex facilities.
Accessibility is indicated at the entrance of these washrooms.
Easy Access
Convenient wheelchair access is also available at all Fairplex facilities.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Fairplex Team Members have been properly trained in all emergency preparedness
procedures.
Parking
Parking spaces and areas for guests with disabilities are available in all lots on a
first-come, first-served basis. Disabled parking consists of two types, van accessible and
standard accessible. Curb ramps are featured at the entrance levels. Parking lots surrounding
the facilities also have spaces available which are located in areas nearest to the event
entrance. All disabled guest parking is clearly marked with signage. ADA spaces are available in
all lots and locations are based on the events.
ADA drop-off & pick-up zones are located at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel at Gate 3 off McKinley
Ave.