Eastern Idaho State Fair tops 250,000 visitors for fifth consecutive year
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BLACKFOOT — More than 253,000 people poured through the gates of the Eastern Idaho State Fair this year, marking the fifth consecutive year attendance has topped a quarter-million.
Fair officials announced 253,906 guests attended the nine-day event, held Sept. 4-12 in Blackfoot. This year’s theme, “Red, White and Blue Jeans,” celebrated America’s 250th anniversary.
The fair started with a record-breaking opening night as rapper Flo Rida performed in the grandstand. Officials say the concert drew the largest opening-night crowd since the fair expanded to its current nine-day schedule.
Patriotic events continued throughout the week, including an appearance by the Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team, which parachuted into the Bank of Commerce Grandstand carrying an American flag to open the Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo.
The fair also debuted its first collectible pin and hosted the National Indian Relay Championships, where 23 teams competed over five days. Birdinground Team was crowned the 2026 national champion.
Fair officials also released results of an economic impact study conducted by Chicago-based Johnson Consulting. The study estimated the nine-day fair generates $74.3 million for the local economy, supports approximately 600 jobs and $25.2 million in wages.
Out-of-town visitors accounted for an estimated 2,400 hotel room nights and helped generate about $2 million in state and local tax revenue, according to the study. When year-round use of the fairgrounds is included, the estimated annual economic impact rises to $82.5 million.
“These numbers confirm what we’ve always known to be true: the Fair isn’t just a beloved tradition; it’s an economic lifeline for Blackfoot and all of eastern Idaho,” General Manager Brandon Bird said.
The Eastern Idaho State Fair will return Sept. 3-11, 2027, continuing its tradition of opening the Friday before Labor Day. Next year will mark the fair’s 125th year.