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Arapahoe County fairgrounds staff propose 9% rate increase and a consolidated 'Fall for You' festival
Summary
Staff recommended a roughly 9% increase to 2027 facility rental rates (projected ~$50,000 additional gross revenue) and proposed consolidating several signature events into a two‑day fall festival for 2026 with a $70,000 production budget.
Fairgrounds staff presented a two‑part proposal to the Board of County Commissioners: a pricing update for rental halls in 2027 and a new signature fall festival that would consolidate several existing events.
Matt Vixman, fairgrounds operations, outlined the pricing change: "We're looking at around a 9% increase for 2027, on the three halls," he said. The recommendation would adjust the Exhibit Halls, East Hall and Main Hall by roughly $100–$150 per rental range to move facility rates closer to regional peers. Staff estimated the change could yield roughly $50,000 in additional gross revenue above 2024 levels, while the facility rental fund currently nets about $300,000 after expenses.
Vixman said the nonprofit rate would remain at 50% of the facility fee; interdepartmental county use is not charged. Commissioners asked about affordability, demand and the county's role in subsidizing community events. Staff noted the fairgrounds maintains a heritage fund and uses CTF (lottery) funds and other sources for targeted capital improvements.
On events, Lexi Kingsbaker and the events team proposed consolidating several signature gatherings into a single two‑day October event, branded "Fall for You," launching in October 2026. The new model centralizes staff and budget across activities (family‑friendly programming Saturday/Sunday and a 21+ evening event dubbed "Mystical Mayhem" on Saturday night). Staff proposed a conservative production budget of $70,000 for year one and a modest ticket price for some elements (staff discussed a $45 ticket for the 21+ evening portion as a concept).
Commissioners discussed timeline and marketing, recommended a three‑year horizon to let the festival develop, and supported the staff approach. The board gave a thumbs‑up to the pricing proposal and endorsed moving forward with event planning and the requested budgeting steps.
Next steps: staff will publish booking timelines for 2027, notify recurring clients, finalize the festival concept and return with budget details or contract language as needed.
