Committee approves resolution to offer free fair admission, shift revenue to grandstand events

The Richland County Highway and Parks Committee voted to approve a resolution to provide free general admission to the county fair and to instead charge for grandstand events.

A fair organizer and county staff told the committee that volunteer shortages and complaints about gate fees motivated the change. "We cannot get enough volunteers to even man the gates, and then everybody's biggest complaint is they have to pay to get into the fair," staff said. Under the plan, county funding would provide an upfront $15,000 allocation for gate cash handling; the committee was told the fair would charge for grandstand events such as the lumberjack show and demo derby.

Staff projected that grandstand ticket sales would more than cover prior gate revenues on strong event nights. "We would expect, at just the 1 event, the demo derby, we're expecting, like, $30,000 on that 1," staff said. Under the proposal the $15,000 initial allocation would come from the county budget; staff said the fair could retain proceeds in its internal account in good years to smooth rainy years and offset future expenses.

The chair called for a motion; the committee moved, seconded and voted "aye" to approve the resolution. Committee members noted details about accounting and existing fundraising accounts and asked staff to ensure funds held for entertainment are managed as intended going forward.

The resolution passed at the committee level; staff said grandstand ticketing arrangements and vendor outreach will proceed for this year's fair season.