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Central States Fair reports record revenue, high expenses; fair board begins five-year capital plan
Summary
Central States Fair general manager Ron Jeffries told commissioners the Black Hills Stock Show and related events generated record revenue and attendance, and the nonprofit fair organization is launching a five-year capital plan for fairgrounds improvements.
Ron Jeffries, general manager of Central States Fair and the Black Hills Stock Show, gave the board an update on the recent stock show and fair operations at the March 4 meeting.
Jeffries said the Black Hills Stock Show set several records, including record revenues and a record horse sale (more than $2 million, up from $2.6 million in a prior year). Attendance was strong across youth livestock shows, halter classes and several sold-out entertainment events including bullfighters-only, Ranch Rodeo and a concert date. Jeffries credited volunteers (about 300 volunteers) and a small full-time staff (eight full-time employees) for producing a large event with relatively low staff expense.
Jeffries said the fair organization will begin a five-year capital-plan process for fairgrounds improvements, with Commissioner Durr helping to kick-start the planning. He told commissioners the board will bring the plan back within a few months for review.
Why it matters: The Stock Show is a large seasonal economic driver for Rapid City and Pennington County — commissioners noted spikes in local sales tax receipts during the event and emphasized the volunteer base and operational needs for sustaining the event.
No formal board action was required; commissioners thanked Jeffries and asked the fair board to return with its five-year capital plan for review.
