“In 2001 about $49 million went through the Derby Club,” and Seaside Park garnered about 2 percent of the total, said Gibbs.The park is the site of computer shows and flea markets, a mega-cat show, as well as other events, making the park “where there is something for everyone all year round,” Gibbs said.There has been controversy: a recent motorcycle show was cancelled due to violence at other such gatherings and the Fair has an injunction on gang members attending in “colors” or wearing items that proclaim their gang membership. “Safety is our first priority and will remain our first priority,” Gibbs stressed.The 62-acre park is unique for its ocean-side location, he added.The annual “Fair is the most thing we do and the reason I came here,” noted Gibbs.Seaside Park is a “diamond in the rough that we want to polish, make the Derby Club more accessible,” and input is being asked for a new park General Plan, said Gibbs.
Seaside Park: Rotarians learn of park past and future
September 13, 2002
Santa Paula News
The recent Ventura County Fair at Seaside Park was the most successful yet, and the Rotary Club of Santa Paula heard all about fairground operations from its top official at a recent meeting.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe recent Ventura County Fair at Seaside Park was the most successful yet, and the Rotary Club of Santa Paula heard all about fairground operations from its top official at a recent meeting.Roger Gibbs, CEO of Seaside Park, started his address by noting that Rotary President Ginger Gherardi is a board director and the recent fair was the 127th such event.“We have over 250,000 people visit the fair in 12 days. . .it’s an interesting job,” said Gibbs.Seaside Park is a state property and the nine-member board of the 31st District Agricultural Association’s are appointed by the governor.Seaside Park has about 40 full-time employees and an annual budget of approximately $7 million, raised through the fair as well as interim events. Racing also supplements the general fund, Gibbs noted. Off-track betting and the Derby Club, built for $5.8 million and opened in 1995, also bring revenues to the park.
