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New fair coordinator and marketing push lift interest; LTAC and sponsorships eyed to shore up fair revenue
Summary
Clallam County introduced a new fair coordinator and described a targeted marketing approach that produced stronger social‑media engagement and better demo‑derby turnout. Staff has submitted two LTAC marketing grant applications and is pursuing sponsorships and ticketing changes aimed at making the fair more self‑sufficient.
Clallam County staff introduced Aspen Smith as the new fair coordinator and outlined a marketing strategy aimed at increasing attendance and revenue for the annual county fair.
Staff said targeted social‑media content and on‑site interviews produced a large increase in digital engagement in the three months leading up to this year’s fair, raising followers and driving interest in marquee events such as the demo derby. Staff also said the county tightened ticketing so demo‑derby attendees must also buy fair admission and is negotiating more consolidated ticketing and sponsorship arrangements with event organizers.
Funding and next steps: Staff reported two Lodging Tax (LTAC) grant applications of roughly $30,000 each (one for parks marketing, one for the fair). If LTAC or other grant funding is awarded, staff said the county will expand marketing work with recreation‑specific marketing firms. Staff also said it has identified about $86,000 in developmental‑disability‑fund millage support for sensory‑accommodation improvements at the fair, which would be spent in 2026 under the contract timing discussed.
Programming and operations: The county is exploring shoulder‑season rentals, off‑season building rentals and better event programming to increase revenues. Staff said some marquee events (demo derby, rodeo) are run jointly with outside organizations; staff and commissioners discussed whether current contract terms fully cover the county’s costs and whether additional sponsor or contractual commitments are needed. Aspen Smith is building a convention/conference outreach strategy and has begun outreach to regional conference groups and event promoters.
No formal revenue guarantees were made; staff said several initiatives remain contingent on grant awards and successful negotiations with event partners.
