South Dakota State Fair boosters can surely shout "We're Still the One!" this morning. AP reports this morning that Department of Revenue Figures show the 2007 State Fair posting a 33% increase in tax revenue generated over the 2006 event [AP, "Retail Sales Drop at State Events," KELOLand.com, 2007.11.16]. If Fair Manager Susan Hayward and her crew in Huron keep posting amazing growth like that, they'll have to change the name from State Fair to State Excellent!
The State Fair's success stands out even more amidst otherwise disappointing numbers for the state's biggest summer events. 2007 Sturgis Rally taxes dropped 1% from last year. The Central States Fair taxes dropped 2%.
The big loser: the Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls, whose tax revenues "plunged" 22%. Ouch! Word of the day for previous posters who have lambasted Sioux Falls for trying to kill the State Fair: schadenfreude.
The other big winner: the Brookings Arts Festival, which posted 10% revenue growth. See? Arts can bring big money to town.
Yippee!!! The State Fair is finally getting good press. Hopefully even more people will now come check it out for a day or even better five days of good ole South Dakota fun! Entertainment was wonderful this year!
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