Washington County fair sees higher attendance and revenue; carnival performance and staffing flagged for follow‑up
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Summary
Staff reported attendance up 11% and strong concession and booth revenue, while carnival revenue fell about 8%; board directed staff to review carnival performance and pricing, noted parking capacity issues, and praised a successful 4‑H exhibit relocation.
Washington County fair staff told the board the 2025 fair drew stronger crowds and brought in higher concession and booth revenue, but also flagged weaker carnival receipts and operational issues staff will investigate.
"Our attendance was up 11% this year," the meeting presenter (S2) said, pointing to turnstile counts that approached 199,028 and noting that the sheriff's department turned away about 2,000 people at the gate on peak nights.
Staff credited multiple factors for revenue gains, including the longer 10‑day fair schedule, a new alcohol provider and improved booth sales. Concessions revenue was reported up about 9% and commercial booth revenue also exceeded budget projections.
At the same time, S2 told the board carnival revenue was down roughly 8% compared with prior years and said staff planned a meeting with the carnival operator to address missing rides and pricing. "We will be reminding them that their contract has 1 year left on it," S2 said.
Operational items discussed included parking capacity (Stan Larkin, identified in the transcript as parking manager, said lots were at capacity on busy nights) and a staff shortage after a long‑time employee left; S2 said recruiting was underway. Staff also noted new state rules requiring pallets of water and electrolyte beverages for outdoor workers added unexpected costs (S2 cited about $12,000 for pallets of beverages).
Kristen, who said she teaches at North Plains Library and worked on 4‑H exhibits, reported strong feedback after relocating 4‑H exhibits to the Wingspan: "80% of our 4‑H families really, really loved it," she said, while noting some attendees requested clearer signage.
Marketing leads described targeted advertising that included connected TV (CTV) and expanded radio buys; CTV spots targeted local ZIP codes with substantial English‑ and Spanish‑language placements. Staff said paid social advertising costs rose but organic social activity improved.
Next steps: staff will meet with the carnival operator to review ride counts and pricing, continue outreach to encourage transit use for parking relief, and continue recruiting to fill staff vacancies ahead of next year's fair (July 24–Aug. 2, 2026).