Carnival & Fair News

With an ample carnival from Helm and Sons Amusements and a wide variety of fair-going fun, the 111th annual California Mid-Winter Fair is a traditional harbinger of spring. Running March 1st through 10th in Imperial, Calif., the theme this year was “Get Your Kicks on Route 86.”Ticket pricing  was $10 for adults, with children and seniors $8; pre-sale tickets lowered costs by $2 per ticket. The carnival wristband was $25 in advance and $35 at the door. A Family Value Pack, priced at $70 provided two carnival wristband coupons plus two adult and two child admissions. Also available for pre-sale were Monster Truck tickets, a big attraction at the fair. Tickets for the event,  which did not include fair admission, were $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 6 to 12. According to fair CEO Alan Phillips, nearly half of ...   [read more]

When deciding their 2019 media buys, fair organizers, marketers and other stakeholders may want to take a lesson from this year Maricopa County Fair. The fair took the drastic step of cutting their commercial television ad purchasing by more than 50 percent. Where was the traditional media money reallocated? Digital streaming services, including Hulu and Spotify, as well as more social media buys on Facebook, Instagram and other platforms.  50 Percent Less TVThe Maricopa County Fair attendance increased by 18 percent this year, attracting more than 52,000 fairgoers.  Except for some high winds – some as high as 32 MPH – on opening day, the weather was ideal Arizona springtime climate and the regional economy continues to be strong – certainly these factors were critical in making the 2019 event succeed. ...   [read more]