BANNER YEAR FOR AMADOR COUNTY FAIR
PLYMOUTH, CA. Troy Bowers, CEO of the Amador County Fair, reports that revenue and attendance through the gates of the Amador County Fair was up considerably over 2014. While acknowledging that attendance last year was affected by the Sand Fire that started on Friday of the Fair, this year’s numbers reflect more than a 6% increase over 2013.
A number of factors were in play, he said, and gave credit to the mild temperatures, higher quality entertainment, new spectacular carnival rides and a team of employees and contractors that put their heart into the Fair for months in advance of opening day. “This is our standard and we plan to be even better in 2016,” he proclaimed. “The support of this county is unparalleled and that is the reason we are touted as the No. 1 Small County Fair!”
The Grandstand events continued to draw crowds with sold out attendance for the Rodeo this year, as well as the Destruction Derby selling out in advance of the Fair. There were more than 80 youngsters competing in the Mutton Bustin’ preliminaries and that drew a big audience for the free event. The Hot Rod Truck and Tractor Pulls continues to grow.
The Blue Moon Picnic Hill Lawn was packed for the return of the Spazmatics, along with big welcomes for Mike Furlong’s Tom Petty tribute and the always-popular Chris Gardner Band. Sunday’s featured entertainer Jackson Michelson who was just signed to a major record deal, put on a stellar performance, having just come from opening for Blake Shelton.
The all-class Big Blue Reunion for Amador High School alums was a hit, with organizers reporting attendance of 600. The Fair hopes to welcome Argonaut High School graduates next year.
The Fair remained a safe and friendly place for visitors to enjoy with their families with nothing more than a few band-aids to keep the EMTs busy.
Wrap up continues as the vendors and rides move on to their next venue, the grounds are cleaned, displays are stored, numbers are crunched and then plans will start for the 2016 Fair. For more information visit AmadorCountyFair.com.
PHOTOS by Karen Spencer