Fair numbers dwindle due to lack of carnival

Overall, Elmore County Fair Manager Kate Ackerson is happy with the 2007 Elmore County Fair and Rodeo, which, after a long hot week, ended last Saturday evening.

Ackerson believes that despite the lack of a carnival, this year's Fair was a success.

"I've been getting great comments, Ackerson said. "From what I understand, there are more exhibitors, vendors and rodeo attendance," than last year, she commented.

However, attendance was noticeably down from previous years. Vendors blamed that on the lack of a carnival.

Although Bouncin' Bins Inflatables brought inflatable amusements to this year's Fair, it did not have the same draw as a carnival.

Inland Empire, Inc., which has been supplying a carnival for the Fair over the past several years backed out of a three year contract with the Elmore County Fair Board just weeks before the Fair was to begin. Attempts by Ackerson and board members to hire a replacement were unsuccessful.

Due to time limitations and the high price of fuel, carnival providers were unwilling to make the trip to Idaho. Most carnival companies, including Inland Empire, are based in other states. Carnival companies in Idaho were already booked.

Elwyhee Association also came to the aid of the Fair Board. Ackerson said Elwyhee Association had "stepped up with its own funds" to supply game booths for children. "They have been fabulous," Ackerson said.

Walking through the midway it was not difficult to see that attendance was lacking this year. Business was significantly down and at least one vendor was forced to raise his prices in hopes of making a little profit.

Some vendors complained that there were too many vendors selling the same thing; at least three were selling snow cones.

Ackerson said she visited with all the vendors to discuss concerns and address problems that could arise at future Fairs.

Glitches in the Fairground's power system--brought on by high power demands because of the number of vendors--was a major concern for some sellers. However, Ackerson said an electrician was readily available when power problems arose, and most of the time the power was back up within minutes.

Despite the low sales and power problems, those vendors the Gazette spoke with said they will be back next year.

Ackerson said the Fairground's electrical system is old and needs replacement. She believes there is enough money in the Fair Board's 2008-09 Budget to pay for some upgrades, primarily in the midway area. "We'll make it work [budget]. That [electrical upgrade] is a necessity".

But money is not available in the budget to fix leaks in the Exposition Hall roof. Small rain showers that moved through the area last week revealed that a new roof is in order. Ackerson hopes the project can be financed through fundraiser activities and grants. Estimated cost to install a metal roof is $25,000, she noted.

The Friday and Saturday night rodeo attracted large crowds, and animals furnished by Slash T Livestock gave cowboys a run for their money.

The band scheduled to perform on Wednesday night was a no-show. But a DJ from Forest Anderson DJs came to the rescue, Ackerson said. Jeff Palmer Band played both Friday and Saturday evening, and drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. Octane performed on Thursday night.

Unwilling to disclose just how much money the Fair took in this year until she could perform a full accounting,, Ackerson did say that revenue was down by about 25 percent this year.

Despite the lack of a carnival, and obvious decrease in attendance, Ackerson and Fair Board members are pleased with this year's Fair.

But realizing the huge draw a carnival has, they continue efforts to find a replacement carnival for the 2008 Elmore County Fair and Rodeo.