TL/DR –
The NC Mountain State Fair concluded after a 10-day run with a total attendance of 147,278, a decrease from the previous year’s 159,575. Despite the dip in attendance, the fair had a strong finish with revenue from rides recording a new high each night. The fair also featured various initiatives for charity and community support, including a $5,000 donation to Meals on Wheels and a collection of 18,000 pounds of canned goods for MANNA Food Bank in exchange for admissions tickets.
NC Mountain State Fair Ends on a High Note Despite Attendance Drop
The Mountain State Fair in Fletcher, North Carolina, ended with a robust finish after a 10-day run, despite a slight dip in attendance. Fair officials reported that initial attendance figures were a bit lower than last year with 81,000 visitors, whereas last year the figures were around 86,000 at the same point.
However, the final tally, bolstered by strong attendance on Saturday and Sunday, reached an impressive 147,278, marking an increase of roughly 66,000 from the initial figures. This significant increase in attendance during the final weekend of the 2023 NC Mountain State Fair pushed the total numbers close to a remarkable record crowd.
Despite the strong finish, the fair fell short of last year’s total of 159,575 attendees. Nevertheless, this hasn’t deterred Sean McKeon, the General Manager of WNC Ag Center, who remained optimistic. “Revenue wise, with the rides it’s been a record every night…we’ll probably end up somewhere around 150,000 who have come through here this year. That’s really excellent, up there with the record years,” he said.
The income generated at the fair and throughout the year is reinvested into the Ag Center’s operating funds, used for grounds maintenance and improvements. Additionally, the Fair had successful partnerships with various organizations. Blue Cross Blue Shield, sponsor of the fair’s Caring for Seniors Day, donated $5,000 to support Meals on Wheels in Buncombe County.
In collaboration with Ingles and the MANNA Food Bank, the Fair collected 18,000 pounds of canned goods donated by the attendees, granting a record 4,293 admissions tickets in exchange. The fair’s competitions drew a total of 8,493 entries this year, including general exhibits, livestock shows, clogging, and gospel singing. The Caps for Cancer competition attracted 342 entries of caps to be distributed by Messino Cancer Centers.
Read More US News
North Carolina News