The 2015 New Mexico State Fair began on September 10 and came to a close on September 20, 2015 with an attendance level that rivaled last year's previous high, and an increase in total attendance of over 2,000 people. This year's fair was attended by 460,468 people, as compared to last year's total attendance of 458,379. Paid attendance was just shy of last year's total number with 414,932 people attending as compared with 420,624, however the 2014 fair had a 12 day run as opposed to this year's 11 day run.
The distinction between paid attendance and total attendance is affected by a small percentage of people such as vendors and promotional partners who are counted as "unpaid" attendance. Additionally, the 2015 fair included very successful free days for public servants and other honored attendees, such as for law enforcement officers, firefighters and teachers, which were well attended special events.
Sales associated with advance purchase options through the New Mexico State Fair and Walgreens partnership more than doubled from 2014 to 2015. In 2014, the Walgreens promotion only allowed for the purchaser to buy admission tickets and/or discounted ride tickets, however in 2015 in coordination with the Fair’s new carnival operator Reithoffer Shows, patrons could purchase a Mega Pass, which provided admission into the fair as well as an unlimited ride wrist band. Total sales for the various Walgreens advanced purchase options were $520,730 (as compared to $197,929 in 2014).
There is good news preliminarily with regard to the new carnival, which we expect to show an approximately 10% increase in revenue as compared to last year. This was the first year of Reithoffer Shows multi-year contract as the new midway operator, and the partnership thus far appears to be very profitable for the New Mexico State Fair. Parking revenues are also expected to be up significantly over last year, with a mix of free, $10 and $20 options available to fair goers in various lots.
"By all standards, the 2015 New Mexico State Fair was hugely successful," said New Mexico State Fair General Manager Dan Mourning. "As we expected, our promotional efforts, our reputation for being a safe and family friendly fair, and our partnership with Reithoffer Shows, who delivered on their promise to bring a great carnival, further solidified our status as one of the top fairs in the country."
The New Mexico State Fair is pleased to announce next year’s fair dates, which will be September 8 – 18, 2016.