Agricultural Fair
FY 2023 Program Summary & Performance Measures
MISSION
To provide a safe, affordable, family and fun-filled experience through educational and agricultural exhibits, amusement rides, participative programs, cuisine and grounds entertainment for all citizens.
OVERVIEW
This program is responsible for managing and operating all aspects of the Cabarrus County Agricultural Fair. The Cabarrus County Agricultural Fair was organized in 1953. For forty-nine years the fairs were held at the intersection of Cabarrus Avenue and Union Cemetery Road. In December 2000, the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners agreed to assume responsibility for managing the annual fair in exchange for ownership of the original fairgrounds. The county purchased a 70-acre parcel located at Highway 49 and Old Airport Road in Concord; and in June 2001, ground was broken on the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center. The 50th Annual Cabarrus County Fair was held at the new facility in 2001 and the fair celebrated its 67th anniversary in 2019. Fair participation has gained steadily over the last 19 years. For the first time in its history, the Fair was canceled in 2020 and again in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic public health concerns.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- The 2021 Fair received 9 international recognitions for their efforts in marketing and educational programming, despite the cancelation a week prior to opening.
- Over the last 4 years, despite challenges due to inclement weather and the cancelation of the 2020 and 2021 Fairs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cabarrus County Fair has received well over 40 international recognitions for exceptional efforts in numerous areas such as educational programing, safety, community and youth involvement, marketing and communications.
CHALLENGES & TRENDS
Immediate:
- COVID-19 pandemic impacts.
Ongoing:
- Economic climate.
- Weather impacting attendance (i.e. heat and threatening storms in the region).
- Patrons increasingly utilize the free or discounted admission days.
- Labor costs escalating.
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS & CHANGES
- This department’s budget has increased due to salary and benefit adjustments as well as inflationary adjustments.
BUDGET SUMMARY
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
FY 2023 numbers are projections