Fair shatters attendance record by 15%

The North Idaho State Fair and Gem State Rodeo was an unprecedented success.

The final visitor tally: 97,082.

"We broke every record we've ever had," fair general manager Alexcia Jordan reported Tuesday. "It's been incredibly nice to see and hear all of the positive feedback, from phone calls to social media."

With ideal weather, new attractions, a different carnival company and huge arena events, the North Idaho State Fair outdid itself by a landslide. The previous highest attendance record set in 2018 was just over 85,000. 2016 was 84,618. Before that, 2007 boasted 83,693 guests.

This year ran better than expected, Jordan said. Fair staff is already looking forward to another great year in 2020, and announced next year's theme of "There's magic in the fair."

"We've already got a start on what our entertainment is going to look like next year," Jordan said. "It's wonderful to hear that all of our hard work was enjoyed by so many."

— Devin Weeks