Entertainment drives strong fair numbers

Buoyed by good weather and a strong local economy, the Northwest Montana Fair reported increases in gate admissions, entertainment sales and carnival revenue for last week’s five-day fair.

Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell told the Flathead County commissioners on Monday that final numbers still are being calculated, but preliminary figures show a 2 percent increase in gate admissions and a 10 percent increase in entertainment sales.

Ticket sales for three days of rodeo action, the demolition derby and concert totaled $373,181, breaking last year’s record of $340,073. By comparison, entertainment sales in 2015 totaled just $228,805.

The concert that featured country headliner Dustin Lynch and local performer Jael Johnson was a strong event, with 4,043 tickets sold.

Rodeo attendance also was strong, with 12,147 tickets sold for the three performances.

The demolition derby attracted a crowd of 2,185.

Carnival ride gross revenue was up 8.5 percent over last year.

“The food booth reports are coming in strong,” Campbell said. “In general we’re very pleased.”