Numbers tell the story of the North Idaho State Fair. 

And it’s a great story. 

Attendance for the 10-day celebration was 169,152, the second-best ever and just 1% shy of last year’s record. On Friday, Aug. 22, more than 18,000 people passed through the gates. 

Youth livestock sales totaled $909,675.50, a tally that is still climbing. Animals sold came in at 278, with a per-animal average of $3,272.21. 

Exhibits reached a record, 9,446.

It raised more than 4,000 pounds of canned goods for the Post Falls food bank. 

When the fair wrapped up Sunday, General Manager Alexcia Jordan was more than pleased. 

“I love it that so many people are participating in the fair and finding joy in keeping tradition alive,” she said. 

The Kootenai County Fairgrounds turned quiet Monday as the teardown continued for the annual fair, whose theme was “Keeping Tradition Alive.” 

“It’s amazing how quickly everything comes down,” Jordan said.  

It was a mostly smooth ride from day one to day 10. The Budweiser Clydesdales proved crazy popular, the rodeo was a once again filled with wild rides, the carnival pulled in young and old, the food was fantastic and even the weather cooperated with sunny skies and cool nights. 

“It went really well,” Jordan said. “It was a good, smooth run.” 

Already, the dates and theme for next year’s fair have been set. It will run Aug. 21-30, with the theme, “Fun is in the Mix in 2026.”

“We're well on our way already,” she said. 

Jordan and team are ready for a break after pretty much living at the fairgrounds since opening day, but still, she’s sad it’s over. 

“It’s so beautiful when it comes to life, you hate to see it go,” she said. “It’s so fun to put something like this together for our community.” 

    The Budweiser Clydesdales perform at the North Idaho State Fair.
  

    Presley Willis with her winning entry in the Pocket Pet Showmanship at the North Idaho State Fair.