Photo Credit - Aundrea Farr Winkel
Once again, the Manitowoc County Fair saw a record number of attendees.
Expo Facilities Manager Jennell Shelton reports that over 55,000 people walked through the gates to see the animals, enjoy delicious food, and, of course, be entertained by Lew E.
The attendance record has been broken three years in a row, with the 2022 fair bringing in just over 50,000 people and 2023 recording just over 54,000.
Shelton attributed the new record to five days of phenomenal weather, but also the amazing attractions all for just $10.
“I think even if we didn’t have five days of perfect weather with that $10 value, knowing that people can get everything, including parking,” she explained. “We had multiple phone calls here throughout the week asking us, ‘Is it really that amount?’”
She also thanked everyone that put it a ton of work to make sure the price can remain so low, even as inflation continues to be an issue.
“We have a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes,” Shelton revealed. “(I want) to thank the board members, the Expo Center board members, our volunteers, and especially our sponsors. It helps to keep our pricing low.”
She also thanked law enforcement, who were able to help make sure everyone’s visit was as safe as possible.
As for what next year brings, Jennel says the board is always looking for new ideas.
“We’d love to get some added input from the community,” she said. “Something that we can market would be fun for the exhibitors to decorate (and) advertise.”
We also asked Jennell if she had had a chance to use the canner donated to the board by All American 1930.
She said not yet, but the board is working on what the first thing they want to use it for is.
