Metropark reports $2.26 million in fair revenues, attendance of about 216,900; sponsorships rise

Metropark staff reported to the County Commission on Sept. 12 that the recent county fair brought in $2,263,921.24 in total revenues and recorded attendance of 216,904, figures the presenter said were close to last year’s totals.

“We were at $2,263,921.24 for our total revenues,” the presenter said, and later reported gated admissions of $593,105.97. The presenter also said net profit was “just just shy of 600,000.” Commissioners and staff noted the figures remain subject to final expense entries.

Staff and commissioners pointed to competing local events — notably an air show that returned after many years — and late confirmations of night-show acts as reasons night-show ticket sales declined. A marketing staffer said the timing of bookings, with some acts not confirmed until about six weeks before the fair, hurt ticket sales and that a talent-buyer request for proposals is on the agenda to secure acts earlier next year.

“...we didn’t have quite the opportunity or the window to get those ticket sales out,” a presenter said, describing late act confirmations.

Staff highlighted operational improvements that were well received by fairgoers: three shade arrays, picnic tables secured through a sponsorship with Ace, a misting station, and a redesigned Midway led with a partner identified as John Hanchend. Staff also described a new Heritage Park area with displays and activities intended to evolve into a green space with more trees and pathways.

On sponsorships, a presenter said the fair had about $150,000 in sponsorship revenues so far, with some payments still pending, and described that as a substantial increase from prior years. Commissioners praised the sponsorship growth and staff planning.

Staff noted a data discrepancy between their attendance counts and an external “Placer” metric and suggested differences in reporting methodology may explain the variance. The presenter also asked for community help locating a seed drill to plant donated winter wheat seed from Kate Vogel/North 40 for a park garden project.

The presentation closed with commissioners thanking staff for the work; public comment at the end of the meeting included a brief expression of thanks for the fair wrap-up. The commission took no additional formal action on fair-specific policy at the meeting.