New Fair Manager Seeks a Balance

After years of complaints that the Ventura County Fair needed more quilts and less commerce, Mike Paluszak has taken over the reins and has inherited the tightrope act as well.

Paluszak, who has 13 years of experience in fair management, said he considers the Ventura event a balance between the traditional and modern.

“This fair leans a little toward the traditional side,” said Paluszak, who began his $67,800-a-year job as general manager in December.

The fair, which runs Aug. 15-26, will have more than 30,000 entries this year, ranging from arts and crafts to livestock.

“We have one of the largest competitive exhibits anywhere. That’s not to say that commercial exhibits aren’t important, but the competitive ones are the meat and potatoes of a fair,” he said.

“And it’s the one time in a year that people are encouraged to brag and show off and really pit their skills against the woman down the block who also makes mincemeat pies. It’s OK to say, ‘I got three blue ribbons. How many did you get?’ ”

With a budget of more than $5 million, the county fair dwarfs the $500,000 Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee that Paluszak managed last year. In Ventura County, he oversees more than 30 permanent staff members, 500 temporary staff and 3,000 volunteers.

Because last year’s Ventura County Fair lost more than $500,000, Paluszak revised some fees. Most concerts will be included in the general admission price of $5 for adults, $2 for children and senior citizens.

“The way the concert business works, it ends up costing us more to charge separate admission for a show than it is to give it away,” he said.

Another break from tradition this year will be the parade route. Marchers will travel from Ventura High School to Mission San Buenaventura.

“For whatever reason, the parade used to go away from the fairgrounds instead of toward it,” Paluszak said. “Now, not only can we take advantage of the Pied Piper Syndrome, but the parade will also be going downhill instead of uphill.”

Although the fair traditionally started on Fridays, this year it will begin with the parade Saturday at 10 a.m. Paluszak said the change has resulted in more registered participants than ever before, which means this year’s parade will last about 2 1/2 hours.

Paluszak said fun is what lured him into the business. “My father told me if you can’t picture yourself doing your job for the next 40 years and enjoying it, then find another job. . . . Plus I get in for free, and I don’t even have to wait in line.”