YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - A long standing sound problem at the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds Main Exhibit Hall has been resolved through a multi-phase project led by the Rotary Club of Yuba City, improving acoustics for large public events and emergency uses.

The project began nearly three years ago after Rotarian Bill Highland struggled to hear conversations during the club’s annual crab feed, an event that draws about 800 people to the exhibit hall. Echoing and poor sound quality prompted Highland to research possible solutions, which led to the idea of installing sound absorbing panels.

Highland shared the concept with Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds CEO Dave Dillabo, who supported addressing the issue as a long-term improvement. Highland later partnered with fellow Rotarian Curt Aikens to co-chair the project. Planning evolved into two phases, beginning with acoustic panels followed by installation of a permanent sound system.

Funding for the sound panel phase totaled $26,500. The Rotary Club of Yuba City contributed $5,000, Rotary District 5180 provided $6,500 and the Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds added $7,500. A $7,500 grant from the Yuba Water Agency to Yuba County also supported the project, tied to the county’s use of the hall for flood emergencies and annual training.

Hilbers Inc. donated two carpenters for two weeks to help construct and install the panels. Work began in December 2024 and continued through January 2025, meeting the goal of completion ahead of the Feb. 1 Rotary crab feed.

More than 50 volunteers from the Rotary Club of Yuba City, Rotary Interact students from three high schools and Hilbers staff built and installed 98 sound panels. Organizers reported a significant improvement in sound quality and the overall appearance of the hall.

Phase two of the project focused on upgrading the hall’s sound system. The fairgrounds completed that work in time for the 2025 annual fair. Legend Sound Works, the contractor that provides sound equipment for the fair, installed eight speakers, an amplifier and a wireless microphone at a cost of about $17,000.

A $5,000 donation from unspent Rotary sound panel funds reduced the fairgrounds’ phase two costs, allowing all donated funds to be fully used. The combined cost of the sound panels and sound system totaled $36,000, significantly less than the cost of contracting the full project commercially.

The Rotary Club of Yuba City funds community projects and college scholarships primarily through its annual crab feed. Since its founding, the club has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships.

Tickets are now on sale for the Rotary Club of Yuba City’s Feb. 7 crab feed, where organizers say the improved sound system will make conversation easier throughout the hall.