#United States #Springfield #International Association of Fairs #Fairground Impact #Economic Study

The Economic Impact of Fairs and Fairgrounds in the U.S.

On September 8, 2025, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) unveiled a comprehensive report detailing the substantial economic contributions of fairs and fairgrounds across the United States. This extensive study, part of the 2025 Economic Impact Study launched by the IAFE, collected responses from over 500 fairs and incorporated statewide data from nine associations, totaling nearly 1,400 fairgrounds nationwide. The findings illuminate the pivotal fiscal and economic roles these events play in their communities.

Key Findings from the Study

The report reveals that fairs serve as significant economic engines in both urban and rural areas. David Grindle, the President and CEO of IAFE, emphasized, "For more than 250 years, fairs have been a vital part of their communities. This study shows that they are an economic driver in communities of all sizes across the nation."

Some remarkable statistics derived from the study highlight the immensity of the fairs’ impact:

• - Visitor Trends: Approximately 219.8 million individuals attended fairs or events at fairgrounds, which translates into 64.8% of the U.S. population participating in these activities.
• - Economic Contribution: The economic impact of these fairgrounds on local economies amounts to an astonishing $51.9 billion.
• - Hospitality Influence: Fairs generated around 2.8 million hotel room nights, showcasing their vital role in the hospitality sector.

In addition to community engagement, fairs have facilitated the sustainment of numerous jobs:

• - Employment Support: An estimated 393,000 ongoing jobs were supported because of these fairs, reaffirming their importance as employment sources.
• - Wage Generation: The total wages generated by these activities reached $17.6 billion.
• - State Revenue Impact: Fairs contributed $1.3 billion in state fiscal impact through sales and hotel tax revenues.

Data Collection Methodology

The IAFE made concerted efforts to encourage participation from all fairs within the U.S., inviting them to fill out a simple form on their website. This allowed the study to reach a broad demographic, regardless of the size of the fair, attendance, or IAFE membership status. The form gathered information on fair and fairground attendance, revenue figures, public sector support, and corresponding tax rates. Following data collection, the insights were analyzed and compiled by Johnson Consulting, culminating in a final report shared with IAFE members over the summer.

Notable Insights Specific to Fairs

For events classified specifically as fairs, additional data reveals:

• - Visitor Statistics: 97.9 million visitors attended these fairs, representing 28.8% of the population.
• - Economic Influence: The economic impact for fairs alone totals $30.0 billion.
• - Job Creation: Fairs supported approximately 230,000 ongoing jobs alongside total wages of $10.2 billion, counteracting economic challenges for many communities.
• - State Fiscal Contribution: An estimated $760.9 million was generated for state fiscal contributions due to fairs.

Conclusion

While the IAFE’s report provides an impressive overview of economic impacts, it's essential to note that it does not encompass the broader effects of carnivals and concessions. Many of the funds generated by these fairs often support a variety of outreach initiatives including scholarships and grants, benefiting communities throughout the U.S. This research not only emphasizes the importance of fairs in sustaining local economies but also highlights the community spirit and involvement fostered by these events.

For the full report and more in-depth analysis, visit the IAFE’s official website.