The Santa Barbara County Fair wrapped up on Sunday with increased attendance and sales numbers for the event, which ran July 10-14.
Organizers continue to work on official numbers for the week, but as of Sunday attendance was up about 6 percent, and unofficial results from vendors and carnival ride operator Helm & Sons show increases in those areas as well, according to Fairpark CEO Richard Persons.
“With the addition of some big-name attractions like the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Classic and a strong concert lineup, we had high hopes for solid attendance and we’re pleased with the turnout,” Persons said.
Crowds filled the Budweiser Minetti Arena for the PBR, a battle of cowboy versus bull. The event’s highlight came when rider Dalton Kasel scored a 93 for his ride on Spotted Demon. Named 2018 Bucking Bull of the Year for the PRCA Rodeo Circuit, Spotted Demon is the No. 1 ranked bull in the PRCA and the No. 2 ranked bull in PBR.
“He’s only been ridden four times in eight years so that was quite an accomplishment,” said local PBR organizer Tim Righetti.
The Bud Light Concert Series also drew sizable crowds. The fair kicked off with Grammy Award-winner Ashanti, followed by Clay Walker, TLC, and Maddie & Tae on Saturday night. All the concerts were free with paid admission.
Things were busy in the livestock area as well with 1,833 animals coming to the fair. Unofficial results show the livestock auction brought in about $2.2 million in total sales.
Families kept busy at Rabobank’s Wild Science!, which allowed kids to explore the intersection of science and imagination with hands-on activities. Crowds cheered for their favorite animal athlete at the Pepsi Pig Races, and audiences were awestruck at the McDonald’s Center Stage watching the hypnotist James Kellogg Jr.
— Shelly Cone for Santa Barbara County Fairpark.