Calistoga is asking Napa County to raise the fairgrounds' maximum operator-agreement term from 25 to 50 years. As of Aug.
26, 2026, the County had not approved the change; Patch documented a request rather than a final decision. An operator agreement is a contract allowing an organization to run a fairgrounds facility or activity. The amendment would expand Calistoga's negotiating options, but it would not select an operator or create a 50-year contract.
Table of Contents
- What would the amendment change?
- Why does Calistoga want more time?
- Who controls the property now?
- What would a 50-year limit not permit?
- How residents can follow the decision
What would the amendment change?
The 2024 purchase-and-sale agreement prevents Calistoga from making operator agreements longer than 25 years. The Calistoga Tribune reported that council members discussed this restriction during their February 2024 approval debate.
A 50-year maximum would be a ceiling, not a required duration. Calistoga could still negotiate a shorter contract based on the facility, investment plan and operator's responsibilities.
Why does Calistoga want more time?
city officials contend that longer contracts could attract operators prepared to make major up-front capital investments. More operating years could give an operator additional time to recover money spent on improvements. The immediate stakes include proposals for the golf course and speedway.
Prospective operators may be reluctant to finance substantial work if the agreement ends before they can reasonably recover their costs. A longer term could improve a project's financial case, but it would not guarantee an operator, investment or successful revival. Residents should distinguish permission to offer 50 years from an enforceable promise to complete improvements.
📨 Get Free California Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Who controls the property now?
Napa county unanimously approved selling the approximately 70.6-acre fairgrounds to Calistoga for $2 million on Jan. 23, 2024. The County's sale announcement said it retained emergency-use and specified repurchase rights.
After escrow closed, Calistoga became responsible for the property. The County nevertheless remains involved because the sale agreement contains the 25-year restriction that Calistoga wants amended. The city inherited aging infrastructure, reduced funding and declining fair attendance after the former fair association ended its operating agreement in 2018. Those conditions help explain the search for operators able to fund improvements.
What would a 50-year limit not permit?
The sale agreement restricts the property to historical-use categories, including fairs, event centers, RV parks, golf courses, racetracks and community services. Extending the contract limit would not independently authorize unrelated redevelopment. Before evaluating a future operator proposal, residents can ask:.
- What initial term and renewal options does the agreement provide?
- Which improvements must the operator fund, and by what deadlines?
- Who pays for maintenance and major repairs?
- What happens if the operator misses an investment commitment?
- How would the contract preserve the County's emergency-use and repurchase rights?
How residents can follow the decision
Calistoga created a Fairgrounds Advisory Committee in March 2025 to advise the City Council and Fairgrounds Director on research and revitalization recommendations. Its city meeting page provides a starting point for following the committee's work.
Residents should separately check city materials for operator proposals and County materials for action on the requested amendment. Until County approval is documented, the 25-year maximum remains the controlling limit described in the sale agreement.
You Might Also Like
- Youngblood Announces Retirement From Kern County Board of Supervisors
- Monterey County board delays vote on Flock camera contract after public opposition
- Mendocino County urged to vote on data center construction moratorium