ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 15, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brent Stratton, Chief of Police
DATE: June 22, 2026
SUBJECT: Agreement with the 15th District Agricultural Association dba Kern County Fair (reimbursement to the City not to exceed $430,000) to provide security services for the 2026 Kern County Fair
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the agreement.
BACKGROUND: The Kern County Fair will run September 23, 2026 – October 4, 2026. The Kern County Fairgrounds fall within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Bakersfield Police Department. The Bakersfield Police Department will be the primary law enforcement agency and lead security operations starting a week before the event’s start date on September 18, 2026. The fair operational times are as follows:
Monday-Thursday 4:00PM – 11:00PM
Friday (9/25) 10:30AM – 11:00PM
Friday (10/2) 3:00PM – 11:00PM
Saturdays 12:00PM – 11:00PM
Sundays 12:00PM – 10:00PM
Approximately 400,000 people are expected to attend the 2026 Kern County Fair. The primary goal of operations is the safety of all participants, visitors, and vendors. A thorough assessment of resources has been accomplished. Staffing will consist of Police Department personnel as well as personnel from local allied agencies. Security operations will run 24 hours a day and involve a variety of deployment strategies.
The Kern County Fair has contracted with private security personnel to assist with fair operations. Private security staff will work in conjunction with Bakersfield Police Department personnel to provide effective security for fair attendees.
FISCAL IMPACT: The 15th District Agricultural Association dba Kern County Fair will reimburse the City for all security services provided under this agreement in an amount not to exceed $430,000.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibits, A, B, C & E
2. Signed Agreement