Study shows economic impact of Kootenai County Fairgrounds

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

It’s also, in many ways, a place of business. Big business.

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

A study released Friday indicates that the fairgrounds have a significant role in the area’s economy. 

According to the report prepared by Crossroads Consulting, the fairgrounds attracted more than 288,600 visits in 2022, generated $30 million in total 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 revenues in 2022, “further enhancing the quality of life for residents of Kootenai County and the state of Idaho.”

The study found that $1.57 was generated for every $1 of direct spending associated with overall fairgrounds operations in 2022.

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

The Kootenai County Fairgrounds hosts events year-round, including expos, livestock shows, festivals and the fair in August. 

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

"This study underscores the fairgrounds’ critical role as a self-sustaining entity that not only supports our local economy but also serves as a community hub," she said. "Our commitment to managing these operations without taxpayer funding allows us to continuously reinvest in our community through diverse events and educational opportunities."

Fair board vice-chair Elise Burton said they are committed to offering an affordable option for events while continuing to promote agriculture education and community togetherness.

The board hopes to kick off some major projects in the next few years to improve and expand its facilities.

“I am hopeful that this formal study gives further momentum to our cause and demonstrates the very real impact the fairgrounds has on our local economy,” Burton said.

Fair highlights in 2022 were 168,567 attendees, a 9% increase from 2021. The fair attracted visitors from nearly 20 counties across nine states, the study said.

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

From the 364 animals sold, over $30,000 was donated to nonprofits and food banks. A total of $244,000 was generated to nonprofits from 2022 operations.

The fair raised nearly $250,000 for nonprofits; the Fair Foundation raised $90,000, of which $42,000 was given to Kootenai Health’s Cancer Support Fund.

Fair board chairman Jerry Johnson said he was pleased to hear of the fairgrounds’ economic impact and noted it is a self-sustaining operation. 

“People don’t seem to realize what the fairgrounds does 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 end of Coeur d’Alene, and is looking to improve and add larger facilities so it can host more events, like trade shows.

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

Jordan agreed.

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

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

“Our location is perfect," she said.

The North Idaho State Fair: Experience Fun Galore in 2024 is scheduled Aug. 16 to Aug. 25.

    Jordan