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Benton County fair report: new staff, survey feedback and $1M auction day
Summary
Fair directors told commissioners the 2024 Benton County Fair saw higher open-class exhibits, a successful $1M-plus 4‑H auction after a schedule change, and mixed attendance due to heat; staff plan program tweaks, expanded family day and sustainability improvements.
Fair directors Jesse Ott and Jennifer Martin reported to the Benton County Board of Commissioners that the 2024 Benton County Fair was broadly successful despite staffing transitions and a heat wave.
Organizers credited a largely new office team and long‑time fair staff for a strong showing in open-class exhibits and an active entertainment schedule. The 4‑H livestock auction was shifted to Saturday afternoon, a timing change organizers said helped generate more than $1 million in auction revenue, the fair’s largest single‑day fundraiser.
Wednesday was redesigned as a family day with walking acts, magicians and children’s programs, which drew families and positive feedback. Senior day attendance dipped roughly 20% when temperatures reached near 100°F, but evening events later recovered attendance. A post‑fair survey run on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor and other platforms showed highest public praise for animal and art exhibits and strong support for rodeo and concert programming.
Fair staff described a temporary reduction in permitted camping spaces required by the fire marshal; RV counts dropped from 79 to 42 while tent camping increased, and staff worked with 4‑H families and the fire marshal to keep participants safe. Organizers said they will explore program changes for Thursday nights to increase local participation, improve the commercial building occupancy, enhance sustainability efforts and expand family‑day school integrations.
Commissioners thanked fair staff and volunteers and encouraged continued coordination with county departments, PIO and partner organizations on outreach and logistics.
