Menu
Fair officials pleased with attendance figures
Shae Burns, Elmore County Fair Board Manager, says she is "pleased" with this year's Elmore County Fair and Rodeo, held last weekend at the county fairgrounds in Glenns Ferry.
While the economy may have played a role in reducing the number of visitors to this year's fair, overall Burns says the 2010 fair was a success.
The rodeo drew large crowds on both Friday and Saturday nights. Receipts indicate that rodeo attendance was up by 200-300 people, equivalent to the number of visitors lacking from the fair, she indicated.
"Everything went really well," Burns said of this year's event. "The midway was packed on Saturday night."
Musicians and other entertainers were well received by young and old alike. Before the rodeo let out on Friday evening, youngsters and teens were jiving to the tunes of the Randy Richard Band, who also played Saturday evening.
The skies over Glenns Ferry were abuzz all Saturday when Silver Hawk Academy brought down its helicopter for rides. Burns was amazed at how many people took advantage of the opportunity to ride in the choppers. "They'll definitely be back--probably for two nights next year," she said.
Corbin Maxey brought his collection of snakes, turtles and other critters to the fair this year. Each time his theme music began to play, people would crowd the stage to watch his performance, Burns said. He plans to be back next year. "Sheila," the psychic, also entertained.
The carnival experienced a mechanical failure to one of its most popular rides. The Zipper did not operate on Friday, but was up and running on Saturday.
Burns was too busy to attend the 4-H and Optimist livestock sales, but John Acord, who took Overall Grand Champion in the Beef class, said club members were able to reach their goal of selling their animals for at least $2 per pound.
Pig prices were down somewhat, but there was an increase in participants. Sheep prices, overall, were better than in the past few years.
In the Open Class division, 129 people registered, with many bringing in multiple items. There were close to 1,000 exhibits on display.
Participation in the Home Arts, which include quilting, crochet, and knitting was up, while the culinary arts class was down. Photography and Arts entries were up, but collectibles and ceramics numbers fell.
There were mixed reviews from vendors -- some did better than others, but most blamed the economy for the lack of sales.
Burns is already looking ahead to next year's fair. Some changes to the facility are needed, she noted. The pig barn roof needs to be replaced. "This is a necessity not a want," she said. And the electrical system will need some upgrading, she added.
The fair operates with money allocated each year by the Elmore County Board of Commissioners (approximately $80,000-$90,000). The funds pay for salaries, maintenance to the facility, utilities, prize money for the rodeo, and rodeo livestock contractor, among other things. There's not a lot of wiggle room when it comes to finances, Burns indicated. Sponsors also bring in revenue and she is hoping one will step up to help finance the roof replacement for the pig barn.
Earl Gardner was the Grand Marshal for this year's rodeo.
More photos available in the Mountain Home News photo gallery