Horse racing at the Humboldt County Fair. Photo: Redwood Coast, via Flickr. Creative Commons license.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Fair:

The Humboldt County Fair Horse Racing Committee is calling on all community members, horse racing enthusiasts, and supporters of local tradition from Humboldt County and beyond to speak up in support of horse racing in Northern California – especially here in Ferndale, where it has been a cherished tradition for generations.

Horse racing at the Humboldt County Fair is not just a sport – it is a historic and cultural pillar that contributes to our local economy, supports jobs, and brings our community together in a truly unique way. This treasured tradition has deep roots, with a legacy that spans more than a century, making it one of California’s most enduring county fair race meets.

However, the future of live horse racing in Humboldt County and across Northern California is at a crossroads. Decisions being made at the state level in the coming month could dramatically impact the survival of our race meet. That’s why we are urging our neighbors, community leaders, and supporters from all corners of the state to take immediate action.

We are asking you to reach out to your local County Supervisors, State Senators, Assembly Members, Members of Congress, and the Governor’s Office. Tell them you support horse racing in Humboldt County. Let them know that this sport is more than just a pastime – it is a vital part of rural California’s identity and economy.

Here’s how you can help. Contact your elected officials – Call, email, or send letters to your local and state representatives expressing your support for horse racing in Humboldt County.

Senator Mike McGuire - senator.mcguire@senate.ca.gov - 1021 O St., Suite 8518, Sacramento, CA 95814, Phone (916) 651-4002, or 1036 5th St., Suite D, Eureka, CA 95501, Phone (707) 445-6508

Governor Gavin Newsom - gavin.newsom@gov.ca.gov - 1303 10th Street, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA 95814, Phone (916) 445-2841

Representative Jared Huffman - https://huffman.house.gov/contact/email-me 317 Third Street Suite 1, Eureka, CA 95501, Phone (707) 407- 3585

Humboldt County District 1 Supervisor Rex Bohn - rbohn@co.humboldt.ca.us 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501, Phone (707) 476-2391

Humboldt County District 2 Supervisor Michelle Bushnell - mbushnell@co.humboldt.ca.us 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501, Phone (707) 476-2392

California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) - information@chrb.ca.gov, 1010 Hurley Way, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95825, Phone (916) 263-6000

With your support, we can protect this time-honored tradition and ensure that the Humboldt County Fairgrounds continues to host thrilling, community-centered racing for years to come.

Let’s keep the spirit of the Humboldt County Fair alive – vibrant, proud, and racing strong.

For more information, updates, or ways to get involved, please contact the Humboldt County Fair Horse Racing Committee.

Greg Gomes,
Chair, Horse Racing Committee,
Vice President, Humboldt County Fair Association,
707-499-8859
greg@pacificpaperco.com