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Cochise County Fair manager says attendance and economic impact have grown; asks county for marketing and connectivity support
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Summary
Cochise County Fair general manager Nikki Valenzuela told supervisors the fair's attendance has climbed (from about 11,500 in a 2015 study to roughly 53,000 in recent four-day counts), outlined facilities and volunteer needs, and asked the county for marketing and internet support for vendors.
Nikki Valenzuela, general manager of the Cochise County Fair, told the Board of Supervisors on April 21 that the fair — held each September in Douglas — has long agricultural roots and has grown into a significant regional draw.
Valenzuela said the fair was established in 1924 and that the fairgrounds occupy about 49 acres at 3677 North Leslie Canyon Road in Douglas; facilities include a rodeo arena, livestock barns and rentable indoor space. "We are a private nonprofit organization," she said, noting the fair is run by volunteers and a volunteer board.
Valenzuela cited earlier economic-impact research: a Cochise College economic-impact study (cited from prior years) recorded nearly 11,500 attendees and about $732,000 in spending in Douglas for a prior reporting year; she told the board recent four-day overall attendance reached roughly 53,000 and that last year’s attendance fell to about 40,000 due to weather.
She requested county assistance for marketing and improved internet service at the fairgrounds to help vendors. Supervisor Gomez offered to provide marketing help from her community enhancement fund and to pursue outreach to an internet provider.
Why it matters The fair draws regional visitors and contributes tourism spending in Douglas and surrounding communities. The manager’s request for marketing and connectivity support would affect vendor operations and visitor experience.
Next steps Valenzuela said she will provide a wish list to supervisors; the board discussed potential marketing support and internet-provider outreach.
