Rodeo, exhibits are high points

The Northwest Montana Fair had a record number of exhibits this year, but attendance was down.

Though it's difficult to calculate accurate numbers because children 12 and under and senior citizens were admitted free each day, Fair Manager Jay Scott estimated this year's attendance at 48,000, down considerably from the fair's average attendance of 60,000 people.

Attendance has seesawed through the years.

In 2004, during banner growth years in the Flathead, attendance was 63,000. Ticketed fair attendance was 59,700 in 2005; it dropped to 52,800 in 2006 but rebounded in 2007 with 61,900 people attending the five-day fair. In 2008, no overall attendance number was calculated.

Scott said he suspects that a higher-than-normal unemployment rate locally and effects from the national recession affected this year's attendance. There were several bright spots, though.

The fair added 14 new commercial vendors this year and registered more than 8,200 exhibits.

"That's the most exhibits we've ever had," Scott said. "I've had the most positive comments this year. People enjoyed the fair. I can't think of a negative thing to say."

The PRCA rodeos that spanned three evenings proved to be a highlight for fair-goers. Total attendance was 11,804, a rebound from last year when only 9,834 people attended the rodeo.

"We were full to the gills," he said, noting that the grandstand was sold out for a couple of rodeo performances.

The new Mutton Bustin' sheep-riding competition for youngsters before the rodeo may have been a drawing card.

Attendance at the demolition derby also rebounded this year, with 3,793 people gathering to watch cars crash into each other on Sunday night. Last year the derby drew only 2,600 spectators. In 2007 attendance was 3,371 and 2006 posted a strong demolition derby showing, with 4,135 people attending.

It was a disappointing year for the country western concerts. The John Michael Montgomery concert filled 1,216 seats, while Terri Clark drew a crowd of just 903.

Inland Empire Shows reported $238,836 in gross revenue from the carnival, down from $257,352 last year. The fair's take was $93,000, down about $5,000 from last year.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com