Rock County 4-H Fair has history of small profits and losses
Special Coverage
Click here for our special section with all you need to know about the 2009 Rock County 4-H Fair
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Wayne J. Flury
JANESVILLE — The Rock County 4-H Fair isn’t going to let a little thing like a recession be a bother.
After all, this fair was founded during the Great Depression.
Some local festivals have struggled in the last couple years, including Beloit’s Riverfest and Janesville’s Rock ‘N’ Thunder Fourth of July festival hosted by the Odd Fellows Lodge.
Both lost money this summer.
Fair board President Wayne Flury thinks a long history of strong partnerships will help the fair avoid the same fate.
But, “that doesn’t mean it’s foolproof,” Flury said.
The fair board is sensitive to the financial struggles of Rock County families, he said.
The fair, founded in 1930, isn’t a huge moneymaking operation, Flury said. But it runs in the black most years, according to data shared with the Gazette.
In the last four years, fair expenses were in the low- to mid- $500,000’s, almost every year, according to fair data.
The fair took in at least $20,000 more than it spent three of the four years.
The exception was 2006 when the fair made only $56 more than the $483,475 it spent.
The years since 2005 are typical of the fair’s history, UW Extension agent Randy Thompson said.
“In general terms, over the past 10 years the fair is a break-even event,” Thompson wrote in an e-mail to the Gazette. “Some years they may make $20,000 and the next lose $10,000. It depends what contributions they make to improvements.”
Data wasn’t immediately available for the years between 2000 and 2004.
But Gazette records between 1988 and 1999 indicate that the fair earned more than it spent during nine of the 12 summers.
Flury attributes the fair’s financial health to loyal fans and strong partnerships with local businesses.
The fair showcases exhibits from 1,779 4-H and FFA participants as well as 3,416 Rock County students, Flury said.
“I see that as the first leg of the partnership,” Flury said.
Local businesses support the fair with cash or in-kind donations, Flury said.
And another group adds a different kind of value to the fair.
“How do you put a value on the donations of the volunteers?” Flury said.
The Rock County Board contributes only $1,500 to the fair’s operation—a number that’s been in place almost since the fair was founded, Flury said.
But, the county doesn’t charge the fair board for the use of the county-owned fairgrounds during the month of July, Flury said. The county pays for the maintenance of the fair buildings and grounds, Flury said.
Admission prices haven’t increased this year, despite some new offerings including the U.S. Marine Corps. Silent Drill Platoon, Flury said.
Maybe local families who are skipping a vacation this summer might take a break at the Rock County 4-H Fair, he said.
“We think it’s business as usual,” Flury said. “We want to get our word out that we haven’t changed much, and we haven’t backed down despite the tough times. We’re sensitive to the fact that families are struggling.
“We don’t expect to offer less … actually maybe a little more.”
Jul 30, 2009 at 6:59 p.m.
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Maybe I can get around the health codes if I change my name to gazettefanmoon.
Jul 28, 2009 at 4:51 p.m.
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Soup On A Stick**
** Free seconds of Soup On A Stick on day of purchase with original stick.
Jul 28, 2009 at 11:05 a.m.
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Cotton candy dipped in chocolate?? I can almost feel my teeth recede in my gums just picturing that. :)
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Bring it on.
Jul 28, 2009 at 9:07 a.m.
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I should say congrats to ballerina_4_life on your accomplishments at the fair. You should be very proud of yourself!! I'm sure you will go far in life because through 4-H and FFA you have learned life-long lessons, some which could be taught to some of the bloggers on here!! Good Luck at the fair everyone!!
Jul 28, 2009 at 9:03 a.m.
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lovethemidwest...does it make you feel good to bash a child?(ballerina4life)Actually, I'm pretty sure she is almost an adult being in Parker FFA. I know she acts like more of one than you do. All she is saying is that if you are so worried about the entertainment and prices, go to your other fairs. The Rock Co. fair was the very 1st 4-H fair in the U.S. It still remains to be the largest YOUTH Co. fair in the world. So since you are calling her blind, I will call you deaf, because you obviously can't hear that our little fair has a lot of history, and it is FIRST and FOREMOST about the YOUTH, so either be proud of them or SHUT-UP!! Now I have to run, gotta go support my 4 kids as their hard work is displayed today as their projects are judged!!!
Jul 27, 2009 at 10:47 p.m.
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Sep. 4--ELKHORN-The 158th annual Walworth County Fair wrapped up with a bang ... of cars, that is.
The demolition derby closed a fair of nearly flawless weather, average attendance and a meat animal sale that shattered a year-old record.
The sale generated $450,267 for area youths, toppling last year's total of $397,376.
"The thing about the meat animal sale is the support this community and our county has for FFA and 4-H youth. It's unbelievable," said Bob Handel, fair board vice president.
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The KIDS at the walworth county fair brought in more money than the ENTIRE rock county fair in 2007.
Its great we have a fair, but it could be so much better for EVERYONE.
Jul 27, 2009 at 10:31 p.m.
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ballerina 4 life, I did go to Jefferson and I will go to Walworth county fair. Much more enjoyable time, and no blind people like you there.
Jul 27, 2009 at 10:11 p.m.
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Well said Digriz. The Fairgrounds are too big 51 weeks out of the year, and too small for 1 week out of the year. A packed venue is a successful venue.
Jul 27, 2009 at 8:14 p.m.
Jul 27, 2009 at 8:09 p.m.
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hannah, that's deep fried lard. And for desert: cotton candy dipped in chocolate.*
* extra napkins upon request
Jul 27, 2009 at 6:17 p.m.
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I am not sure if we will be attending this year, though we have the previous 12 years. Prices of rides are ridiculous, and, really, walking around looking at the exhibits is not our thing. We have no interest in the music or any of the entertainment venues, so, For myself and my 4 kids it would be $18 to get in, and, then atleast $25 each (if using bracelet), or, $20 each ride without. So, minimum amount without food would be $118, with dinner and snacks probably over $200. To not really do anything, but, ride some rides that were thrown together by the scary carnies. We have opted to buy season passes to Six Flags and Noah' Ark- Six Flags season passes were $50 each- Noah's Ark was $80 each. Endless things to do at each place- rides, shows, waterpark at Six Flags.. I hope that ROck County comes up with a way of making this fair more fun, because our area could really use it..... And, I would love to be able to hang out with the kids somewhere that I don't have to drive an hour to get to...
Jul 27, 2009 at 3:35 p.m.
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officerfriendly1, I totally agree with you! =)
Jul 27, 2009 at 3:34 p.m.
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dude! people need to stop whining!
Jul 27, 2009 at 3:11 p.m.
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"for all those who think that Jefferson and Walworth counties do such a bang up job, why don't you pack up and move there." No need. You see because these fairs have more room they can have open shows so you don't need to live in that county to participate. If you live in Rock County at least you're centrally located for Walworth, Jefferson and Boone County Fairs!
Jul 27, 2009 at 3 p.m.
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Thanks for the Fair link; it worked fine for me. I glanced through the daily events and saw lots of reasons to take one's kids to the fair. Except for the carnival, everything else is covered by the admission price. The entertainment looks acceptable for something that costs nothing extra. What do some of you people expect anyway? Do the other area fairs people are mentioning on here also have their entertainment for free? If so, I am not sure how those counties can afford a big-name act without having to charge a hefty price.
Jul 27, 2009 at 2:51 p.m.
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Good luck to all the kids and other participants; I hope you all have a great week. Even though I haven't attended any fair in many years (too much walking, I get sick on most any ride, I gave up trying to win a stuffed animal years ago, and I gag on cotton candy), I want to thank the folks that take on the huge task of holding this fair each year. I have lots of fantastic memories of going to the fair each year with my grandparents who were farmers near Beloit. Do I think we need a new fairgrounds? Maybe, but it's one issue we can't afford to look at seriously at this time.
Jul 27, 2009 at 2:49 p.m.
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Yes Rawhide, the website does have some good information. When it works. Too bad there are so many broken links and non-showing pictures. Guess you get what you pay for...and I hope they didn't actually pay for that site.
Jul 27, 2009 at 2:27 p.m.
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http://www.rockcounty4hfair.com/prices.h...
$4 to get into the gate on Tuesday, $8 the rest of the week (for adults).
On Tuesday and Friday the rides cost one less ticket until 6pm.
Nice to see the fair with their own website to help get the information out there!
Jul 27, 2009 at 12:49 p.m.
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for all those who think that Jefferson and Walworth counties do such a bang up job, why don't you pack up and move there. We can do without you.
Jul 27, 2009 at noon
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My oh my how so many people forget. I remember all the people complaining about moving the fair when it was brought up because it was going to cost so much money. So which is it? Do you want it moved or don't you? And yes, it is whining. That's what people do best in Janesville.
Jul 27, 2009 at 11:22 a.m.
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Unless you have kids in 4-H/FFA there really isn't anything to draw people to the Rock County Fair.
Jul 27, 2009 at 10:56 a.m.
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I wish they had a limited pass for the fair at a cheaper cost. I just want to go in and get some food and leave. Like a ticket that lasts for an hour or something. I have no idea how they would monitor that but I would be more tempted to go if I didn't have to spend the large amount of money to get in to only be there for an hour.
That is the only reason that I go to the fair now is for the food. I don't have any family in 4H at this time so going and looking at the exhibits isn't as fun anymore.
Good luck to all the kids! Wish you could all win blue ribbons!
Jul 27, 2009 at 10:46 a.m.
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There's something special about this fair. We went to the Jefferson County Fair for the first time this year. It was nice but this is our "home county" fair. Our family is planning on one big day.
Good luck to all participants.
www.spend-local.com
Jul 27, 2009 at 10:08 a.m.
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bobwood - tickets are $1.25 each this year. Most rides cost 4-5 tickets so for a 4 ticket ride it is $5. Wed and Thurs are wristband days from Noon to 11pm and cost $25.00. Sunday wristband from noon to 8 cost $22.00. Of course on Saturday when most people are able to attend the fair, there are no carnival specials. I think the prices charged for tickets are crazy!
Jul 27, 2009 at 1:22 a.m.
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It's about the kids (our future leaders) not about small profits and losses.
Jul 26, 2009 at 10:35 p.m.
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Don't forget about the new cellphone towers! Aren't they supposed to be dangerous?
Don't forget to wear your tin foil hats!!!!!!
Jul 26, 2009 at 9:45 p.m.
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Br549: actually they have been talking about moving the fair for years... I remember them talking about it when I was in 4H about 22 years ago.
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I do wish they could afford to build a larger fairgrounds, heck if I ever win the lottery big I will donate enough to build the whole thing. But until then we as a community need to come out and support the kids at our current grounds.
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Good luck to all of the 4-H and FFA members. We are proud of you.
Jul 26, 2009 at 8:57 p.m.
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Not everyone has kids doing things with 4-h some of us do go to the fair to enjoy what others kids do, but some of us also go to the fair to see the different acts and for the carnival. Or just to people watch in any case you cant make everyone happy all the time. In my case I really dont care if I go or not i was just offering up a suggestion to help with the revenue issues
Jul 26, 2009 at 8:53 p.m.
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hey, lovethemidwest, if you love the jefferson county fair so much then go to their fair.
i'm a member of the parker ffa, i show at the fair and i'm on the 2008 court of honor, and it makes me so angry that people are more worried about the prices, entertainment choices, and moving the fairgrounds than the kids and all their hard work.
I have no interest ever going to the walworth or jefferson fair.
Jul 26, 2009 at 8:18 p.m.
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before someone overreacts Im not saying that NOONE from surrounding counties comes to our fair. But that number is small compared to the other counties with better grounds.
Jul 26, 2009 at 8:14 p.m.
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br549, that is why they need to move it. By increasing revenue they could afford to pay any sort of loan they may have needed to make the move. By moving it they would draw froma larger area as opposed to just the immediate area. Nobody in walworth county, for example, is chomping at the bit to come to our fair. The same cant be said for walworth and jefferson counties, people from all over go to enjoy those fairs.
Jul 26, 2009 at 7:35 p.m.
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Hey tip16 I wasn't whining but more of suggesting that they get some act that are geared toward the younger crowd, that will raise attendence and make more money for all involved.
Jul 26, 2009 at 7:17 p.m.
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The County tells us it will cost 20 million to move the Fairgrounds. Between you, me and 18% unemployment, the current Fairgrounds is fine. I know, some knucklehead will invoke the land swindle deal proposed a couple of years ago. Had that deal took place, the County would have be screwed out of its Fairgrounds and Farm, and everyone would be crying foul.
Jul 26, 2009 at 7:16 p.m.
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Yep there is something going on almost every weekend at the fairgrounds. Some of them are pre fair judging that takes place in May such as the cat show, and foods revue. Not to mention that there have been auctions and community rummage sales at the Craig Center. Oh and let's see what else...4H float judging, horse, swine and beef shows throughout the year, the 4 H banquet, shall I go on.
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YES we would love a new fairgrounds, but unfortunately that opportunity died along with Ken Hendricks. The kids...which is what the 4-H fair is all about, can and will make do with what they have for a fairgrounds.
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Also remember fair week is after all all about them, the entertainment is a plus. If you don't like it don't go for the entertainment, instead go for the kids and support them. After all they are the ones who have spent hours and hours, even days, weeks, and months to get ready for fair. So please stop whining about what we don't have and give the kids your support...they deserve it.
Jul 26, 2009 at 7:09 p.m.
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Beentheredonethat, wow some big money makers there. Just the car shows alone at the walworth and jefferson fair grounds bring in more than those "events". Not to mention equine events, bmx, truck/tractor pulls, craft fairs, etc........ Rock county could benefit more than lose if they moved the grounds to a larger area.
Jul 26, 2009 at 6:59 p.m.
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I really do hope the fair does well!! But, we aren't going this year. With the tightening of our budget, we had to make some choices this year. We are spending the day at Six Flags this week. My children got free tickets at school in the reading program this year. So, the cost for us to go with unlimited rides is cheaper than the fair. I hope we have more money to do both next year!! I do love to see all the 4-H animals and displays!
Jul 26, 2009 at 6:56 p.m.
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lovethemidwest: porkfest, Relay for Life, the Shrine Circus, curling, the Badger Knife Show...there are many activities that the fairgrounds are used for throughout the year. I'm sure there are more than the few that I've listed.
Jul 26, 2009 at 6:50 p.m.
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Not to mention increased revenue with a bigger grounds. Look at walworth and jefferson counties. There are alot of other things that those fair grounds are used for. What is rock county fair grounds used for besides the fair? A pork fest? thats about it.
Jul 26, 2009 at 6:46 p.m.
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Its not really whining when youre stating a FACT. No one said anything about the children. But I bet they would like a larger area and more oppurtunities to display their talents.
Jul 26, 2009 at 6:43 p.m.
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So let the Whining begin. No matter what kind of entertainment there will be some one complaining. This is not a "Summer Fest" venue, The entertainment is a extra. the fair is about the kids who are exhibiting there projects from 1000 pound steers to little hamsters from sewing to kniting. Foods and photography. There are a lot of talented youth in this county. so quit the whining and cheer these kids on.
Jul 26, 2009 at 6:29 p.m.
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Well it might help if you where to book a headline musical group from this decade.
Jul 26, 2009 at 5:36 p.m.
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Isnt that the truth. Even the Jefferson county fair makes the "fair" in rock county look bad. To bad they wont move the fair grounds so they can compete with the fairs put on by area counties.
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