Metropark reports about $2.26 million in fair revenues; attendance near 216,900, organizers outline improvements

Metropark staff presented a financial and operational recap of the recent county fair on Sept. 12, telling the County Board of Commissioners that total revenues were $2,263,921.24 and regular gated admissions were $593,105.97. Stoney, who led the report, said attendance was about 216,904 and that the event’s net profit was “just shy of $600,000.”

Why it matters: the fair represents a major seasonal draw and revenue source for the county and sponsors. Organizers told commissioners the figures were close to last year’s record and that a stronger sponsorship push and operational changes could push results higher in future years.

Stoney said night-show ticket sales dropped compared with previous years and attributed that decline to competition from a returning air show and to late confirmation of headline acts, which limited the advertising window. “As you can see, our regular gated missions, $593,105.97…we were at $2,263,921.24 for our total revenues,” Stoney said during the presentation.

Tim, who reviewed visitor amenities and site changes, said three new shade-cell arrays were well received, picnic tables were added through an Ace sponsorship, and a relocated Fourth Avenue stage and Midway redesign helped crowd flow. He noted a donated cover-crop mix from Kate Vogel and requested access to a seed drill to plant winter wheat in the park’s garden area.

Cody, who spoke about marketing and sales, said the late booking of evening acts and competition from the air show depressed night-show ticket sales but that staff are already planning earlier talent booking. He reported roughly $150,000 in sponsorship revenue so far, with a few payments still pending, and said staff will issue a talent-buyer request for proposals to secure acts earlier for next year and consider selling value-pass options during Black Friday or the Christmas season.

Commissioners praised staff for sponsorship gains and overall revenue performance; Commissioner Morris noted the air show’s impact on night-show attendance but commended the team’s work. Presenters and commissioners agreed to continue planning improvements—more shade, additional green-space investment in the Heritage Park area and earlier talent procurement—before next year’s fair.

The board accepted the report and moved on to the next agenda items; no formal policy action or funding decision was taken at the meeting.