Community Support Draws Record Crowds in 2009

The 80^th Vigo County Fair ended July 18^th with record breaking numbers. The community showed up to support the fair and the many events surrounding it. Cool weather, affordable entertainment and a variety of attractions aided the large attendance numbers. It is estimated that nearly 100,000 people visited the fair this year. Over 18,000 attended the grandstand events that included a Lucas Oil sanctioned Truck and Tractor Pull and IPRA sanctioned Rodeo.

“The community made a strong statement about the fairgrounds and the desire to see it be successful,” stated Dave Hartmann Wabash Valley Fair Association President. “The fairgrounds needed a good fair to assure we can make needed improvements to the grounds and continue to be a viable part of the community in the Wabash Valley,” Hartmann continued.

The Vigo County Fair featured ride discounts almost everyday that helped bring families to the fair looking for a low cost way to have fun this summer. The Demolition Derby nights drew some of the largest crowds with over 5,000 in attendance. The USAC Indiana Sprint Week Race held on Wednesday brought in the largest single day grandstand and infield attendance topping 6,000 while the Boot City Championship Rodeo presented by HI99 on Friday was another successful event. Wabash Valley Idol and the Motocross offered fairgoers a $5 ticket and both sold more tickets then previous years. The Lucas Oil Truck and Tractor Pulls nearly doubled the number of tickets sold last year.

The Vigo County fair had a record number of campers with 134 and saw the largest number of commercial exhibitors with 58. Strong sponsorship support was also provided to the fair with Ivy Tech signing on for their 3^rd year as the “presented by sponsor”. Verizon, Vigo County Federal Credit Union, Duke Energy, Vincennes University, Vigo County Farm Bureau and Regional Hospital were all day sponsors.

“We had strong local media support this year and I think our marketing plan along with some good weather really paid off,” commented Doug Edge of Edge Marketing. Edge Marketing is responsible for promoting the fair and managing the fairgrounds staff. Next year’s fair will take place July 11^th thru the 17^th. Edge Marketing is working with the Wabash Valley Fair Association to finalize plans for several fall events at the fairgrounds and plans to continue to offer the facilities for rent to other groups and businesses. Inquiries can be made by visiting www.vigofair.com or by calling 812-201-3058 for more information about upcoming events and to receive rental information.

Rodeo Crowd Enjoys the Show!

2011 fair will be July 10-16