46 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



COUNTY AND DISTRICT FAIRS, 1917 



The season of 1917, contrary to the opinion of a great many 

 people, proved to be the most successful and the banner year for 

 state, county and district fairs. Ninety-three county and district 

 fairs receiving state aid were held in the State of Iowa during 

 the season just closed. This is six less than the number reported 

 in 1916. 



The cities and towns that held fairs in 1916 but did not hold a 

 fair this year were : New Hampton, Nashua, Spencer, Charles City, 

 Hampton, Victor, Marengo, Anamosa, Morning Sun, Ottumwa, 

 Sewel and Clio — 12. 



The following cities returned to the fold and held fairs this 

 year: Massena, Manchester, Chariton, Knoxville, Creston and 

 Agency — 6. 



The reports filed with the department of agriculture indicate 

 that while there was a fewer number of fairs there was an in- 

 crease in the total attendance of more than 72,000 and an increase 

 in the total number of paid admissions of about 104,000. 



The total attendance of the ninety-three fairs was 1,345,259, 

 the total number of paid admissions 1,094,968. This is a record 

 and the first time the number of paid admissions has reached the 

 million mark. 



Another gratifying fact, from a fair manager's standpoint, is 

 the fact that the ninety-three fairs show a total net profit of 

 $111,568 compared with a profit of $76,474 from ninety-nine fairs 

 in 1916. 



The total receipts show an increase of about $60,000, this in- 

 crease comes from the receipts from outside gates, grandstand 

 and concessions. The miscellaneous receipts, receipts from state 

 aid and for entry fees in the speed department show a falling off. 



The expense of conducting the ninety-three fairs compared with 

 the ninety-nine in 1916 shows an increase of about $25,000. Prac- 

 tically all of this increase is accounted for in the miscellaneous 

 expense of the fairs and the increase of $8,200.00 paid for music 

 and attractions. There was a decrease of $7,500 paid out in 

 premiums and $1,000 less for speed events. 



There was an increase in the total number of exhibitors, count- 

 ing all departments, with about the same number as last year in 

 the live stock departments. 



