Although final attendance counts were not expected to be complete until sometime this week, the estimates showed an increase in most of the fair entertainment events.
“All in all, attendance was very good and everything went smoothly,” said Fair Board President Dave Noble. “We were fortunate that it wasn’t quite as hot most days, and the evenings were cooler.”
This year, the concert was switched to opening night of the fair on Saturday, July 9, rather than on Tuesday or Wednesday night as in previous years. Noble said that was a good move and may have made a difference in overall attendance at the fair.
Attendance at the Jon Pardi and Mo Pitney concert was estimated at 2,800 to 3,000, which is the highest in many years.
On Sunday, the parade attracted 82 entries, and the tractor pull crowd on Sunday evening was estimated at 450 to 500.
Attendance picked up again on Monday night, when an estimated 2,000 people attended the combine demolition derby, two-car chain and trailer races.
Tuesday night’s Good Old Time Racing (GOTRA), Bob Schalk Memorial Race, Midwest Classics Racing and Tuff Trucks contest drew 1,500 to 1,700 fans.
On the final night of the fair, Wednesday, July 13, the crowd for Super Late Model Racing and stock car racing was estimated at near 2,000.
Noble said attendance was also good at several exhibits and shows on the grounds, including the D.C. Lynch Shows carnival, Wildlife Encounters, the Seamann’s Petting Zoo and performances by hypnotist Brad Clark in the Event Center.
2016 Fair was very well attended
