Loud and clear, the Eastern Idaho State Fair is here to stay as an economic boon
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BLACKFOOT — In a five-minute news conference, the Eastern Idaho State Fair sent a message that it is here to stay and will not change its opening dates.
EISF General Manager Brandon Bird told local media that, despite other fairs in the West — like the Western Idaho Fair in Boise and those in California — the EISF will not move its dates.
“The Eastern Idaho State Fair is part of the end-of-summer rhythm for how people do things as families and get together,” Bird said. “That tradition is going to continue.”
With these market changes creating potential issues for the EISF, Bird said the announcement will bring stability as it works with vendors and exhibitors.
Bird said most vendors are local, so they feel confident staying with the current fair dates.
Another reason for keeping the fair on the weekend of Labor Day is to let students participating in 4-H or the Future Farmers of America know the fair’s opening days won’t change.
The other part of the news conference highlighted the fair’s economic impact on the local economy.
According to a news release from the EISF, an analysis by Johnson Consulting, a Chicago-based firm specializing in economic and fiscal impact studies, found that the fair generates $74.3 million for the local economy. The analysis also found that the fair generates $2 million in state and local tax revenues.
The fair also supports 600 ongoing jobs and $25.2 million in wages.
“We knew it was big, and we’re glad to report that it’s even bigger than we expected,” Bird said.
Annually, the fair has drawn over 250,000 visitors, with over 40,000 of those traveling more than 50 miles to attend. With some of those out-of-county attendees, hotels in the area have also seen a boon with nearly 2,400 room nights.
Overall, Bird said the fair may consider extending in the future, but for now, future fair-goers can plan to attend on Labor Day Weekend.
“We’re grateful to be stewards of this special 124-year tradition. We’ve been entrusted with caring for that tradition, and our responsibility is to protect it, improve it, and ensure it continues. We’ll say for another 124 years,” Bird said.
To learn more about the fair or to purchase tickets, visit funatthefair.com.