The Barnyard Birthday Bash at this years' 2012 EISF will go down in the record books as the most attended fair in Blackfoot's history setting a new attendance record with over 224,000 visitors during the weeklong event. The celebration of the fair's 110th anniversary broke the former record set in 2009 despite some significant weather setbacks.
On opening day, a severe thunderstorm dropped .7" rain in two hours causing the carnival to close for the evening. That storm would also washout the next two days of horseracing at the fair - a major draw for many fairgoers. Despite the weather, significant gains in attendance were seen in the nighttime grandstand events where most enjoyed their largest attendance in over 5 years. Fairgoers recognized and took advantage of the value provided by a reduction in ticket prices for many of the grandstand events including this years' inaugural Gem State Classic Pro Rodeo.
"Our effort to bring a new high quality PRCA rodeo event to the fair was unbelievably well received with attendees still talking about the quality of the show" said Fair Manager Brandon Bird. "Also, our 2 Night Concert Package was embraced by music fans from all over Eastern Idaho, nearly selling out for the first time in years. We look forward to how we can incorporate a similar package in 2013."
Free entertainment and education opportunities were everywhere at the EISF including the Live Shark Encounter, Agrium Seed Survivor presented by Zion's Bank, a variety of top quality entertainment on the West Events stage and the Meet the Animals Petting Zoo presented by Farm Bureau of Idaho.
"It's the dedication of thousands of people that make this fair great" said Bird. "Everyone from the exhibitors to concessionaires, sponsors to employees and especially those who attended this year's event have made this celebration of our 110th anniversary something we will never forget."
