Oregon State Fair Wraps Up Successful 2007 Season

The 2007 Oregon State Fair Sets Modern Day Record for Single Day Attendance at over 49,000 patrons.

Last year's Oregon State Fair Photo by: Kevin Hays

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon State Fair Manager Dave Koellermeier released pre-audited attendance and market research data detailing the recently completed 11-day annual Oregon State Fair.

While overall attendance for the 2007 Oregon State Fair was up 2% following a 10% increase in 2006 over 2005, several recognizable attendance precedents were set during the 2007 Fair.

On Saturday, Sept. 1st a modern era single-day attendance record was set with over 49,000 people, and the Fair also recorded an everyday increase in paid admissions in comparison to the same day the previous year 2006.

Veterans Appreciation Day also saw a marked increase with over 9300 veterans attending the 2007 Fair over 2624 veterans attending in 2006.

"The number of first-time attendees is very important," says Dave Koellermeier, Oregon State Fair Manager. "We keep a close watch on this number and believe that the appeal of our new venues and our marketing campaign was a hit, as first-time attendees was up 16%."

As a result of patrons spending additional time on grounds, per capita spending was up 10%. On Saturday, September 1st, patrons spent an average of 6 hours on grounds.

"Attendance is clearly influenced by big name entertainment," says Dave Koellermeier. "We recognize that presenting top talent is a key factor in our increase in attendance and will work next year to secure nationally recognized acts for both Saturday nights. We will also address increased parking capacity, as attendance and time spent at the Fair grows."

Beginning in 2006, the Oregon State Fair monitors how patrons feel about safety, value, cleanliness, and levels of customer service through market research kiosks located on fairgrounds. The 2007 reports indicated continually improvement from 2006 and satisfied responses from vendors, contractors, and patrons.

The 2008 Oregon State Fair theme will be "The Best of Oregon", and the Oregon State Fair will celebrate Oregon's sesquicentennial in 2009.

About the Oregon State Fair
Started in the late nineteenth century, the State Fair has become an Oregon family tradition. Families come from all over the state to take in great shows, rides, culinary delights, and animal and agricultural exhibits. Fair attendees will be able to see over 26,000 exhibits in livestock, home arts and hobbies, show horses, fine art, photography, professional wine, homebrew beer, the new Sports, Health, and Recreation area, small animals, 4-H and FFA animals, and more.

The Oregon State Fair is a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.