Fair Park reports record exhibitors, program growth and capital plans
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Summary
Becky Roberts told supervisors that Fair Park saw record exhibitor and animal participation, expanded winter storage revenue (about $90,000), new programming (sensory day, kids zone), and will issue an RFP for a master plan in January if the budget is approved.
Becky Roberts presented the Jefferson County Fair Park annual report, describing rebranding efforts that produced two distinct identities (the fair and Fair Park) and program changes that boosted exhibitor and animal participation. "This past year, we created 2 independent identities — 1 for the fair, 1 for Fair Park," Roberts said, and she noted theme and programming shifts that included a garden theme, a sensory‑friendly day and expanded entertainment without added gate fees.
Roberts highlighted revenue gains outside the fair: the winter storage program grew from about $70,000 to roughly $90,000 this year and the camping program counted nearly 2,000 campers between April and October. She also described capital needs and recent unplanned repairs, including wind damage to roofs and a sinkhole in a parking lot. Roberts said capital planning is "in full swing" and that, with board support in the budget, staff will issue an RFP in January for a master plan intended to guide facility decisions for the next 20 years.
Roberts credited partnerships with local nonprofit groups and advisory boards for helping produce higher participation and said the Fair Park is an important tourism draw for Jefferson County. She invited supervisors to pick up updated copies of the report and offered to answer questions; no follow‑up actions were requested at the meeting.