Event generated about $16.5 million in economic impact
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 2, 2015) — Attendance was up 16 percent at this year’s Kentucky State Fair, which drew 601,672 visitors, compared to the 515,937 visitors who attended the rain-soaked 2014 fair.
The 11-day event generated approximately $16.5 million in economic impact across the community and the Commonwealth of Kentucky and was responsible for creating hundreds of temporary jobs.
Attendance has exceeded 600,000 in six of the past 10 years. The record attendance was 684,356 in 1994.
This year’s fair consisted of sunny skies and warm temperatures, with no rain, leading to big crowds at the free Turf Concert Series.
Several new initiatives debuted this year that were geared toward making the fair more accessible and affordable, including advanced discounted parking and admission tickets. Also, those riding TARC to the fair—which nearly 1,000 visitors took advantage of—were given half off a regular-priced adult admission; the age for children to be admitted for free was raised from 3 to 5; and there were two carload days where $20 covered entry for an entire vehicle.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather over the duration of this year’s fair, and that was a big part of why we saw such a dramatic increase in attendance, along with several new discount programs offered for the first time,” said president and CEO of the Kentucky State Fair Board Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe. “Once again the exhibitors and organizers of the fair put on a world class demonstration of attractions, competitions and live performances that represent the best Kentucky has to offer.”
Next year’s Kentucky State Fair will be held from Aug. 18-28, 2016.
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