Despite the many challenges and COVID-19 state ordered mandates officials at the Central Washington State Fair say the fair was a big success even seeing record breaking sales numbers for the carnival and food.

ATTENDANCE WAS DOWN 25% FROM 2019

So even though attendance was down 25% from the 2019 fair, thousands of those who did attend wanted to have a lot of fun and eat a lot of food. Kathy Kramer CEO of the Central Washington State Fair says “we anticipated attendance would be down this year and truly didn’t know what to expect as we opened the Fair.  We are pleased with the community’s support this year.  Smaller crowds provided more room for people to spread out and they stayed longer,” She says along with all the regular favorites fair officials introduced some new things this year. A press release says "the new format for the main stage concert venue with floor seating, required a paid reserved concert ticket and included fair admission for the day of the show was a big hit this year."

THREE SHOWS SOLD OUT AT THE CWSF

Three shows were sold out-Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, for King and Country and Josh Turner. Kramer says they also introduced a new concert VIP experience.  “Our guests loved the new experience, and it literally was sold out for each show well in advance of the Fair opening."
Other changes were also popular like the livestock show arena, the Durand Arena was given a new larger home relocated closer to the livestock barns more visible to fairgoers and easier for exhibitors and show participants use.
“I am so proud of what we were able to deliver to the Community this year. We had just over 3 months to produce the Fair, which normally takes a year.  A big thank you to staff, vendors, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and our Board of Directors for all pitching in to make the Fair a reality this year. We got to “Celebrate Together Again”, create memories for fairgoers and contribute to our local economy.

PLANNING ALREADY UNDERWAY FOR NEXT YEAR'S FAIR

The Fair is made up of many small family-owned businesses that stay in hotels, buy supplies and spend money while in our area.” Says Kramer.
Plans are already underway for next year's event as well as the 2ndAnnual Holiday Light Fest this holiday season. The 2022 Central Washington State Fair is set for -September 23rd-October 3rd of 2022.

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