GREAT FALLS — The Montana State Fair said in a news release recently that 2021 event revenues topped $1,882,000. The fair ran from Friday, July 30, through Saturday, August 7.
Saturday, July 31, was the most visited day at the fair, with 13,574 visitors.
The total number of paid guests at the fair was 80,042; the total fair gate admission revenue was $421,800.
Food concessionaires grossed $872,371, which organizers says was a 20% increase over the 2019 fair.
Attendance for the four-night rodeo event was 8,065, with 2,242 fans for the final night.
Night shows, which included performances by Kodi Lee, Big & Rich, Chevelle, and For King & Country, generated more than $535,000.
The Mighty Thomas Carnival grossed $872,254.
The 2022 Montana State Fair is scheduled for Friday, July 29, through Saturday, August 6.
For more information, email klander@cascadecountymt.gov.
Here is the complete news release from fair officials:
The 2021 Montana State Fair was ALL GOOD!!! Family, Friends, Food and Fun were in abundance in the 406. This 9-day run proves to be one of Montana’s premier hallmark celebrations, and this year emphasized this. The rekindled spirit of the fair environment was felt by all.
The 2021 Montana State Fair “It’s All Good, in the 406” was a record-breaking year. Fair revenues exceeded $1,882,000. Opening day was celebrated with the Great Falls Turf Club’s return to the Friday evening races accompanied by Rock-n-Ride with The Mighty Thomas Carnival and FOX Montana. Fair goers were eager to reacquaint themselves with their favorites treats on Food Alley. Acai Bowls, Mini Donuts, Viking on a Stick, and all the other deep-fried goodies that everyone had to wait two summers to enjoy were in ample supply. Pepsi and Lemonade products were easily found to help quench the thirst on the hot summer days.
The Mighty Thomas Carnival brought thrilling rides, fun games, and tasty carnival treats to the Montana State Fair for the 27th year. The carnival set records eight of the nine days throughout the fair. Over the course of the nine-day event, The Mighty Thomas Carnival grossed $872,254. Fun was had by all!
Saturday, July 31, was the most visited day at the fair with 13,574 fairgoers enjoying a day at the track, rides with The Mighty Thomas Carnival, a variety of foods on the midway, and the night show Big & Rich with special guests Cowboy Troy and DJ Sinister. Total paid guests at the 2021 Montana State Fair were 80,042. The total fair gate admission revenue was $421,800.
To make your mouth water, these are a sampling of items available during Fair: Turkey legs, chicken skewers, shrimp sticks, Vikings, lemonade, pork chop sandwiches, Cowpies, mini donuts, street tacos, cheese curds, ice cream, fry bread, baked potatoes, Chinese food, barbeque, bacon baskets, tacos, edible cookie dough, snow cones, coffee, and anything sweet you could desire. The Food Concessionaires grossed $872,371. The Food Concessionaires had a 20% increase in sales over the 2019 Montana State Fair.
Rodeo enthusiasts enjoyed the PRCA Big Sky Pro Rodeo produced by Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics. Attendance for the 4-night event was 8,065. A full house was in attendance each night and the Patriot Night crowd enjoyed a brief, much needed rainstorm which subsided in time to enjoy a great evening of rodeo. Pepsi Night brought together 2,242 rodeo fans for the final night of action-packed rodeo.
A combination of active rock, country, Christian pop, ventriloquism/comedian, and America’s Got Talent 2019 Winner, Kodi Lee set the stage for the night show lineup in the Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena. Night shows produced more than $535,000 for the Montana State Fair.
Commercial vendors provided the Fair Shopping Experience and there were many new items purchased throughout the course of the fair.
Competitive Exhibits took center stage throughout the week with judging and awards displayed for the viewing pleasure of the fair guest. The heritage of the fair starts with Competitive Exhibits. Witnessing the different demonstrations, such as the weaving process, reminds one of the roots of the fair, and the exhibits are the foundation of the fair through all that they provide. Junior Livestock crowned several Montana State Champions over the course of their show. Watching the future agriculturalist, businesspeople, and civic leaders of tomorrow is heartwarming. It is a comfort to know that the future of agriculture is in good hands.
In consideration of the past year, adapting, improvising, and overcoming obstacles were a common theme for everyone involved in the fair. So many ups and downs in the past year made the Montana State Fair an incredible “unknown” and it is truly amazing how many people love the fair. It is with the support of Cascade County Commission, employees, fair guests, sponsors, business partners, and the community that make the Montana State Fair successful. Thank you for your support.
Mark your calendars for the 2022 Montana State Fair opening on Friday, July 29 at noon and concluding Saturday, August 6 at midnight. See you soon!
