Attendance down at 2023 Northwest Montana Fair
William Dyer and Terry Dyer clean up their pigs for the pig show at Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell on Monday, Aug. 14. (Avery Howe/Hungry Horse News)
Attendance was down 7% at the 2023 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo in relation to the previous year, which recorded record attendance.
The fair was held Aug. 16-20 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Total attendance was 76,487 people over five days.
Last year’s record attendance was 82,424
Fairgrounds Manager Sam Nunally said Friday and Saturday’s rodeo events sold out, and Sunday’s Big Air Bash had an increase in attendance over last year.
“The first two days of the fair were hot and smoky, but as the temperature cooled and the air cleared, attendance really picked up during the final three days,” Nunally said.
Gross sales at the Market Livestock Sale on Saturday of the fair reached another record level, with more than $1.2 million in sales. This exceeded 2022 sales by more than $200,000.
“We extend our appreciation to everyone involved that made this year’s Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo such a fun, safe and memorable community-wide celebration,” Nunally said. “Planning for next year’s event is underway, and we are seeing new shows and entertainment opportunities."