Arapahoe County Fair attendance fell 26% as estimated loss rose to $143,000
County staff estimate expenses exceeded revenue by $142,687, excluding a separate $104,639 transfer already approved to help cover fair costs.
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The Arapahoe County Fair drew 19,578 visitors in 2026, down 26% from 26,429 in 2025, while county staff estimated the fair’s operating loss at $142,687, up from $82,073. The estimate compares $919,760 in revenue with $1,062,447 in expenses and excludes a separate $104,639 transfer already approved to help cover 2026 expenses and anticipated losses.
Some invoices were still outstanding. At an Oct. 27 study session, staff said they planned to return to commissioners after accounting for fourth-quarter expenses, around January or February. The presentation also lists a possible additional $200,000 transfer request, which could change with final figures and 2027 plans; it does not establish that the request was approved. The county says the fair supports 4-H and youth achievement, celebrates the county’s agricultural and cultural heritage, and aims to offset operating costs. Open Spaces sales and use tax revenue cannot be used to support the fair, the county’s staff report says.
Ticket sales account for about 60% of fair revenue, staff told commissioners. Admission rose from $25 to $30 for the 2026 fair, and staff listed the increase among several possible contributors to lower attendance. At the study session, staff described attendance as a driver of other fair goals, including vendor success and heritage and educational programming. Commissioners called for more discussion of attendance and the fair’s financial approach.
Staff presented proposed operational changes for 2027 for commissioner feedback, not as approved plans. The county report says officials are monitoring the fair’s reliance on Event Center rental revenue to cover shortfalls.