Research shows the economic impact of Kootenai County Fairgrounds

COEUR d’ALENE — The Kootenai County Fairgrounds isn’t just a place for people to have fun during the North Idaho State Fair.

In many ways it is also a place of business. Big businesses.

“We operate 365 days a year,” said Alexcia Jordan, general manager and CEO of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and the North Idaho State Fair.

A study released Friday shows the fairgrounds play an important role in the area’s economy.

According to the Crossroads Consulting report, in 2022 the fairgrounds attracted more than 288,600 visitors, generated a total of $30 million in economic output, supported 260 jobs and contributed $9.7 million in labor income.

It also found that it generated $2 million in local and state tax revenue in 2022, “further improving the quality of life for residents of Kootenai County and the state of Idaho.”

The study found that in 2022, $1.57 was generated for every $1 in direct expenditures associated with total fair activities.

“This activity generated significant economic benefits for local and state economies,” the study said.

The Kootenai County Fairgrounds hosts events throughout the year, including exhibits, livestock shows, festivals and the August fair.

Jordan pointed out that its monetary impact was achieved without taxpayer money.

“This study underscores the critical role of the fairgrounds as a self-sustaining entity that not only supports our local economy but also serves as a community center,” she said. “Our commitment to operating these activities without taxpayer funding allows us to continually reinvest in our community through various events and educational opportunities.”

Elise Burton, vice chair of the Fair Board, said they are committed to providing an affordable option for events while continuing to promote agricultural education and community solidarity.

The board hopes to start a number of major projects in the coming years to improve and expand the facilities.

“I am hopeful that this formal study will add even more momentum to our cause and demonstrate the very real impact of the fairgrounds on our local economy,” Burton said.

Highlights of the fair in 2022 included 168,567 visitors, a 9% increase over 2021. The fair attracted visitors from nearly 20 counties in nine states, the study said.

The fair totaled 5,233 exhibits in 2022, and 98 local businesses and individuals donated $1 million, which went back to more than 300 local 4-H members who participated in market animal projects.

Of the 364 animals sold, more than $30,000 was donated to nonprofits and food banks. A total of $244,000 was generated for nonprofits from 2022 activities.

The grant raised nearly $250,000 for nonprofits; the Fair Foundation raised $90,000, with $42,000 donated to Kootenai Health’s Cancer Support Fund.

Fair board chairman Jerry Johnson said he was pleased to hear about the economic impact of the fairgrounds, noting that it is a self-sustaining operation.

“People don’t seem to realize what the fairgrounds do for our community,” he said. “That little piece of land is important to Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County.”

He said it could do more with its 83 acres on the north side of Coeur d’Alene, and wants to improve and add larger facilities so it can host more events, such as trade shows.

“We’re always looking for ways to do better,” Johnson said.

Jordan agreed.

“We have the ability to do more and better if our facilities can support it,” she said.

Jordan said she plans to ask Kootenai County commissioners to give the fairgrounds a long-term lease on the property. It is currently considered custodians of the land.

“Our location is perfect,” she says.

The 2024 North Idaho State Fair: Experience Fun Galore is scheduled for August 16-25.