Lost Revenue, Negative Publicity & Controversial Contracts: Fair Talent Buyers Navigate the Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic hit all sectors of the fair industry, but the pain felt by fair talent buyers seems especially acute. Even now as partial openings have allowed amusement parks and ... [read more]
Ozark Empire Fair: Attendance Down, But Per-Cap Spending Up
Fair Manager: No spike in coronavirus following the fair
Obviously, the few fairs that did run in 2020 cannot be considered typical. That fair managers, staff, fair boards, vendors and communities are able to hold any event is an accomplishment ... [read more]
Miller Spectacular Wins 2021 Illinois State Fair Midway Contract
A family-owned, Arkansas-based carnival company has been named the new contractor for the Illinois State Fair, effective for the 2021 fair. Miller Spectacular Shows, a family owned and operated ... [read more]
Pandemic Reshapes Fairs in California as Events Turn to Drive-Thru and Virtual Experiences
Not yet ready to reopen fairs and carnivals due to the pandemic, California is making do with some highly different experiences this year.The Big Fresno Fair is one “big” ... [read more]
Post-Cancellation, Wisconsin State Fair Still Give Fairgoers Fair Necessities
When 2020 started and the Wisconsin State Fair marketing team began developing this year's campaign, a political hook was a natural. For the first time in its history, the Democratic Party selected ... [read more]
Dakota Fair Associations Form a Regional Group to Address Heartland Issues
After years of discussion, planning and co-conventions, last year the North Dakota Fair Association and the South Dakota Fair Association finally merged into one association with the mission to aid ... [read more]
Shooting Mars Indiana's Marion County Fair, Fair Posts Record Attendance Day Amid COVID Crisis
The 90th Marion County Fair (IN) had to be pushed back about a month, was held under lockdown restrictions and had to cancel its closing Sunday due to a violent incident outside the fairgrounds the ... [read more]
Finally a State Fair Opens: Delaware Focuses on Fairgoer Communication For Successful Event
The Delaware State Fair celebrated its centennial last year with great fanfare and record attendance. Turning 101 however earned this mid-Atlantic summer tradition a more complicated recognition ... [read more]
Updated: Congress Introduces Bill to Provide Financial Assistance to Fairgrounds
H.R. 7883, the Agricultural Fairs Rescue Act, which will provide $500 million in grant funding to state, county and local fair organizations has been introduced by U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta ... [read more]
Kentucky State Fair Cancels Midway & Entertainment for 2020 Fair
Last week, the Kentucky State Fair announced significant modifications to the 2020 State Fair. In June, the fair announced its plans to move forward with a 2020 fair complete with a carnival ... [read more]
