Metropark's general manager said the Montana Fair this summer generated its highest-ever revenue, driven by stronger carnival and concession sales, targeted discounting and free-entry programs, and a successful Rodeo Billings run.

"We set records across the board. It was the highest ever," the general manager said, noting the carnival posted both daily and overall grossing records after nearly 50 years of appearances. The manager attributed the surge partly to promotional pricing and access programs, saying, "We had flash sales. We had, like, a 6 tickets for $50," and that sponsors helped underwrite free-entry days for special-needs, seniors and children.

Rodeo Billings ran three nights in the new arena. The manager said Saturday's performance sold out and required standing-room-only, while Thursday and Friday were roughly 70% to 80% full. She credited stock contractors and high-quality animals for drawing top competitors and said the arena's maiden events produced arena records across several metrics.

Those higher gate and on-site spending levels, the manager added, allowed Metropark to retain net proceeds that are reinvested in the facility and used to subsidize smaller nonprofit events and other programming throughout the year. "Any of those dollars that we make in a net profit situation goes to helps us subsidize different nonprofit events," she said.

The manager declined to provide a consolidated dollar figure for the season's revenue during the interview. She said the carnival operator, Thomas Carnival, remains contracted with Metropark for the next five years and that the fair schedule and promotions were deliberate choices to balance crowd flow, logistics and budget targets.

Attendance-boosting tactics included multiple discount opportunities, free-entry sponsor days and higher-profile evening concerts, all cited by Metropark staff as central to this year's outcomes.