Record Breaking Year at the California State Fair!
Weird, Wild & Wacky Theme Helps State Fair Break Numerous Records
Attendance Meets Projections, Despite Tough Economy
SACRAMENTO- The California State Fair wrapped up its 156th year on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Throughout its 18-day run, Fairgoers were encouraged to “Let Yourself Go” and enjoy the affordable family fun.
Despite the difficult economy, the State Fair managed to break some important records and milestones during its season.
Before the 2009 California State Fair even started, advance online ticket sales soared to record levels thanks in part to the many discounts and package deals being offered: this year, more than $1 million dollars in online purchases were made, the highest ever.
Opening weekend started out strong with seventh-season “American Idol” winner, David Cook performing on the Golden1 Stage, and the popular amusement rides from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. The four rides once belonging to the King of Pop were just some of the 60+ rides that Butler Amusements brought to thrill and entertain Fairgoers of all ages.
Butler’s first contracted year at the State Fair turned out to be a huge success garnering record profits, including the highest ever single day gross carnival sales at the State Fair. That record was broken on Sunday, September 6.
The transition to Butler Amusements as the carnival operator of record for the State Fair was met with high enthusiasm by State Fair officials and fairgoers alike. There were a plethora of specials and promotions that helped Butler achieve success in its first year, including:
- New ride wristbands that fairgoers could buy until 10pm and ride until 11pm any day;
- The Read 2 Ride program where more than 5,000 “Read 2 Ride” forms were turned in by K-8 students in exchange for three, free ride vouchers.
- Every Friday, the first 5,000 people who walked through the gates received one free ride on one of the four Neverland Ranch rides at the Fair.
- Every Tuesday was Kids Day when the State Fair offered free admission for children 12 and under and Butler offered $1 rides for the entire family. (NOTE: On one of those Kids days, September 1st, the State Fair achieved an all time daily attendance record for a 2nd Tuesday, which was 35,305.
The promotions and discounts proved to be the most popular thing about the State Fair this year.
“The State Fair remains the best deal in town for families,” said Norb Bartosik, CEO and General Manager of the California Exposition & State Fair. “The annual event brings back fond times for adults and creates new memories for children.”
Despite the challenging economy, the “Weird, Wild & Wacky” theme of this year’s Fair allowed people to “Let Yourself Go” with unique attractions, entertaining exhibits and exciting shows.
The State fair attendance definitely reflected the economic climate, but Fair officials predicted over a year ago that the region would be severely impacted by furloughs, unemployment, and the back-to school season.
“Last September we could tell that Sacramento would be hard hit by the down economy, so we budgeted accordingly,” said Bartosik. “We projected a decrease in attendance, so we’re still on track with our budget, despite the lower numbers.”
Total State Fair attendance was approximately 676,000, a decrease of 15 percent from 2008.
Of all the possible factors, State Fair officials believe that State Employee furloughs and the earlier back-to-school schedule had the most significant impact on the attendance this year. For that reason, Fair officials will be exploring a change in dates for 2010 that would allow the Fair to begin in mid-July.
The State Fair management and staff will be exploring all the options related to a date change and will be presenting them to Cal Expo board in the coming weeks. The Cal Expo board will make the final decision sometime in Fall 2009.
“The 2009 California State Fair was a milestone for us,” Bartosik said. “We overcame numerous challenges to put on a great State Fair and we feel nothing but pride for our event. We’re already looking forward to Big Fun in 2010.” |
