South Dakota State Fair a Huge Success!
September 7, 2007(Huron, SD) - Leading up to the fair with sold-out camping, increased livestock exhibitors and commercial vendors, fair officials were looking forward to a fair that proved to fairgoers "The South Dakota State Fair is Still the One!" All of these increases, paired with five days of perfect weather and a new marketing campaign by Robert Sharp & Associates, a Rapid City advertising agency, could only lead to one thing: increased attendance totaling approximately 151,000 fairgoers.
"I heard over and over this year from fairgoers, 'the fair is really back!'" commented Susan Hayward, State Fair Manager. "We've had wonderful, positive comments about the exceptional free stage and grounds entertainment, grandstand shows, terrific vendors, and outstanding carnival. Having perfect weather for five days was just the final touch to a near perfect fair."
Camping sold out in the main campground prior to opening day - 1,256 campsites. Hundreds of campers were also directed to Gate 13 and Gate H where reservations were not necessary and the campgrounds stayed full and busy.
Just as camping numbers were up, so were livestock and static exhibit entries. Over 10,000 livestock and static entries were entered leading up to the fair and over the course of the week. Many entries increased this year including: beef - up 26%, dairy - up 27%, rabbits - up 35%, swine - up 52%, and culinary - up 20%, just to name a few. Additional tents and set-ups were added to accommodate all entries at this year's fair.
Goldstar Amusements once again gave South Dakotans the largest carnival in the state. They were a huge success, with an increase in sales of 35 percent. Five new rides were included this year and families and fairgoers continued to compliment them on their great customer service, cleanliness and overall professionalism. Preliminary numbers indicate that food and concessions numbers increased as well.
If they didn't venture to the appropriate areas, fairgoers may not have noticed the increase in campers and entries but what they did see and comment on was the fullness of the fairgrounds. Placed here and there among seasoned fair vendors were 100-plus new vendors. A commonly heard phrase was, "This looks and feels like the fair of old!"
"It is important for a number of reasons to track attendance and exhibits at the fair," stated Hayward, "but the real measure of success for me was the thousands of families who attended either to exhibit, camp, wander through the buildings, or watch the shows. All those smiling faces are what the fair is really about."
As the numbers are counted and comments are heard, one thing that is evident is "The South Dakota State Fair is Still the One!"
Last Modified: 09-7-2007-08:15:18
Back To News