State Fair went well
Posted: Thursday, September 04, 2008
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The recently concluded 2008 South Dakota State Fair was a success, according to the man in charge of it.
State Fair Manager Jerome Hertel said the final numbers on gate admissions, concert revenues and beer sales won't be tallied for another week or so, but he believes they'll surpass last year.
"Everything indicates that the fair went very well. We saw increased attendance at the concerts and vendor sales looked like they were up, and the carnival sales, I believe, were up," Hertel said Wednesday. "All in all, a very successful fair."
The weekend's hot, windy weather didn't keep people away from the fair, Hertel said.
"The wind never really let up," Hertel said. "We had over 25 mph winds with gusts to 40 and 45, but people still came. I think they're used to the wind in South Dakota."
More than 4,000 people attended the Montgomery Gentry concert, and more than 3,000 each night went to the George Jones and .38 special concerts, he said.
The only problem with rain came during stock car races on Monday, the fair's final night, Hertel said. Heavy rain forced cancellation of the final race that evening.
"Nothing really went bad, as far as having any concert rain-outs, and things like that," he added.
Hertel said many people told him this year's State Fair reminded them of great fairs that were held in the past. The fair has struggled in recent years to revive its attraction, and Hertel said that work is paying off.
"I had nothing but great comments from people that said that this was the fair of the old, the way it used to be," he said.
Hertel started his job as State Fair manager in March.
State Fair Manager Jerome Hertel said the final numbers on gate admissions, concert revenues and beer sales won't be tallied for another week or so, but he believes they'll surpass last year.
"Everything indicates that the fair went very well. We saw increased attendance at the concerts and vendor sales looked like they were up, and the carnival sales, I believe, were up," Hertel said Wednesday. "All in all, a very successful fair."
The weekend's hot, windy weather didn't keep people away from the fair, Hertel said.
"The wind never really let up," Hertel said. "We had over 25 mph winds with gusts to 40 and 45, but people still came. I think they're used to the wind in South Dakota."
More than 4,000 people attended the Montgomery Gentry concert, and more than 3,000 each night went to the George Jones and .38 special concerts, he said.
The only problem with rain came during stock car races on Monday, the fair's final night, Hertel said. Heavy rain forced cancellation of the final race that evening.
"Nothing really went bad, as far as having any concert rain-outs, and things like that," he added.
Hertel said many people told him this year's State Fair reminded them of great fairs that were held in the past. The fair has struggled in recent years to revive its attraction, and Hertel said that work is paying off.
"I had nothing but great comments from people that said that this was the fair of the old, the way it used to be," he said.
Hertel started his job as State Fair manager in March.
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