By CYNDI GRAHAM
Moapa Valley Progress
The Clark County Fair and Rodeo proved to be another great success. Attendees came from all over to enjoy the attractions.
The weather, which is one of the biggest factors in the fairs success, was warm and welcoming to attendees this year and rodeo fans were happy with the pleasant evening temperatures. The fair landed during the perfect spring temperatures and it showed with an increase in patrons.
According to Fair Manager Kevin Willard, attendance at the fair was steady and up 3.7% from the 2018 attendance. Total attendance came in at 83,916 patrons to the fair and 13,019 attending the rodeo. Saturday’s numbers were so high that all the parking lots were filled, Willard said.
“It was a very big fair,” said Fair Manager Kevin Willard. “The crowds were good, the rodeo was excellent and the weather cooperated perfectly.”
Willard observed that a light rain early on Friday morning only served to keep the dust down and to keep things cool.
New to the fair this year was each ticket and every badge was scanned.
“Scanners provided much better security,” Willard said.
Every gate was equipped with this new fair feature. This was to help provide higher security. There were no problems and lines moved along at a regular pace. Boards members felt that it may have even sped things up. Along with tickets and badges, vendors got each item tagged with a barcode too.
“It really helped keep accountability for the items,” a Fair Administration member said. “Overall it was an easy transition.”
According to Country Store Manager Robin Maughan, the attraction was a success.
“The Country Store did very well this year,” Maughan said. “The fair patrons loved the fresh baked items, and shopping from local crafters.”
Maughan is also the board member over the Fine Arts Building and entries.
“Compared to last year there were fewer entries on the Fine Arts side but better sales at the store,” Maughan observed. “We are hoping the entries pick up again next year along with the vendors in the store.”
A lot goes on behind the scenes that were new this year too. The board made changes with the garbage pick-up by implementing roll-off bins that held more waste. It made it possible for fewer trips to empty the trash cans. Keeping the garbage carts from moving less frequently through crowds was helpful for safety issues as well.
The board also kept the three water trucks going during the windy periods to help keep dust down.
“We try to be good neighbors to the community,” Willard said. “Overall the fair went really well. We are happy with 2019’s Get Your Fair Face On!”
