State Fair attendance is on the rise
The Colorado State Fair is half-way over and, with attendance up 7% compared to this time in 2018, organizers are more than happy with the turnout so far.
Organizers say they prepare and hope for these kinds of attendance numbers throughout the year. To see them actually happen is reassuring.
As of closing time at the fairgrounds Tuesday night, a little short of 13,000 more people have visited the fair grounds than in 2018.
Last year’s attendance numbers were low compared to previous state fairs. Over the past decade, fair organizers say attendance has floated around 475,000, plus or minus 25,000.
So what’s causing the jump in attendance? Although weather could be a factor, state fair organizers point to their new and improved attractions and lineup.
“We had an additional concert opening day, and our Saturday concert with Granger Smith was very successful,” said Colorado State Fair General Manager Scott Stoller. “I would personally like to think we put out a good product this year. Hopefully word of mouth is helping.”
Stoller says the biggest events are yet to come. Fiesta Day, Brett Young will be performing on Saturday. So far, they’ve already sold 6,000 pre-sale tickets.
Another event geared towards drawing crowds is the Colorado State Fairs 5K Stampede Run.
The event is fairly new, and organizers have seen it grow quite a bit since its inaugural year. However, they would like to see it become a staple of the fair’s traditions.
In the Stampede’s four years, attendance has gone up 20% each year.
Organizers are expecting to have 150 runners this year, potentially more. The funds that are raised will go towards next year’s fair.
However, organizers say this run is all about giving people options.
“We really like to have something for everyone here at the fair and having a 5K run for folks and brings more diversity to our offering,” said Stoller. “You are always looking for things that are outside the norm of a fair. What will attract people?”
The Stampede starts at the Colorado State Fairgrounds at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Runners who pre-register will receive a free t-shirt and free admission to the fairgrounds on Saturday.
