PORT ANGELES — Joel Winborn summed up the 2011 Clallam County Fair in one word: “Success.”
“Our revenues were up, attendance was up, carnival sales were up, and concessions were up,” said Winborn, Clallam County Fair director, in a Tuesday briefing to the three Clallam County commissioners.
The annual fair wrapped up Sunday.
“We had four days of great weather,” Winborn said.
“The community showed that this longstanding event is still very important and that they support our fair even in times such as they are.”
This year’s fair included popular mainstays like the demolition derby, carnival and 4-H members showing their animals.
Talent show big draw
It also featured the inaugural Clallam County Variety and Talent Show, which drew 15 acts and an estimated 300 spectators Sunday.
“This is by far more people than have ever been on the West Stage on a Sunday afternoon,” Winborn said.
Winborn provided the commissioners with the following numbers for this year’s fair.
■ Paid gate attendance was 29,205, up 1,709 from last year.
■ Gate receipts were $135,000, up $16,000 from last year.
■ Concession proceeds are $29,238 so far, up $543 from last year, with proceeds coming in.
■ Carnival proceeds were $52,256, up $4,000 from last year.
Presale carnival wristband receipts were up $17,000, which Winborn attributed to added marketing.
The fair receives a percentage of what the carnival brings in.
The theme of the 2011 Clallam County Fair was “Rock with the Stock.”
Winborn thanked Commissioners Mike Doherty, Mike Chapman and Steve Tharinger for supporting the fair and participating in the events.
“Again, a huge success,” said Winborn, who is also the county’s parks and facilities manager.
“We had no major issues to deal with outside of the ordinary.
“Our office and our maintenance staff I think performed superbly,” he added.
“They were on top of everything, taking care of people’s needs and keeping things rolling.”
The fairgrounds are being cleaned up now for this weekend’s junior rodeo.
“There are events throughout the year that occur on the fairgrounds,” Winborn said.
None is bigger than next year’s Clallam County Fair on Aug. 16-19.
“We’re already preparing for that,” Winborn said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
