Despite Ironman, a wooden boat show and other local activities happening during fair week, the 2017 North Idaho State Fair had the third-highest attendance in its history.

"Overall, we're really happy with the attendance," fair general manager Alexcia Jordan said Wednesday. "There was a lot going on. With all the competition in the area, I feel really good about it."

This year's attendance of 82,858 came close to the all-time record of 84,618, which was set last year. The second-highest attendance occurred in 2007, when 83,693 people visited the fair.

The 2017 livestock sale, however, definitely earned a gold medal for bringing in more than $500,000.

"It is a record," Jordan said, explaining last year's total set the record at more than $400,000, so 2017 was a huge year for the 4-H participants.

It was a big year for 4-H exhibits as well. While open-class exhibits were down a bit, 4-H exhibits were up.

"What's cool about that is we pay back premiums if you get first, second, third or any type of grand or special placing," Jordan said. "We pay back right around $18,000."

During Community Day, which took place on opening day, admission was discounted for a donation of canned food. Nearly 400 pounds of food were collected and donated to the Post Falls Food Bank.

The Coeur d'Alene Community Action Partnership benefited as well. Produce that was entered in the fair but not picked up was donated, and this year that total was 72 pounds.

The volunteers of nonprofits — cheerleaders, the Lions Club and more — also received a reward for their role in keeping the fairgrounds clean and running smoothly. The different groups received a total of $91,000 in return for their services, and that money will support them in their charitable missions in the community.

“It's a piece of how we want to give back to the community and have traditionally given back over the years," Jordan said.

Jordan said this year, the fair was blessed to have "true fair weather, which always helps bring people out."

"It being my first year (as general manager), I was very pleased with how everything ran and operated," she said. "With that, there's always room for improvement, and I'm excited to expand on that in the years to come."