The 2022 Montana State Fair was the second most successful week of the fair behind the record 2021, according to a release from Montana ExpoPark.
The 90+ degree temperatures and windy conditions didn’t stop fairgoers from enjoying the Mighty Thomas Carnival, the Rolling Piano, Cardenni the Wizard, Captain Jack and the Robo car transformation.
The fair saw revenue of more than $1.8 million. Food Alley concessions such as Acai Bowls, Mini Donuts and Viking on a Stick contributed to a record year, earning more than $800,000.
The night’s 2022 shows included classic rock, country, rock, new country and pop at the Pacific Steel and Recycling Arena. Night shows totaled $547,000, the highest-grossing set of night shows in the fair’s history.
The Mighty Thomas Carnival celebrated its 29th year at the Montana State Fair. Over nine days, the carnival grossed $825,000, the second best year on record.
The most visited day of the fair was Saturday, July 30, with 10,742 fairgoers enjoying horse racing at the Great Falls Turf Club, carnival rides, midway foods and the Mini Pop Kids matinee performance.
Overall, the fair entertained 75,443 paying guests for a total gate receipts of $385,000.
The PRCA Big Sky Pro Rodeo, produced by Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics, had an attendance of nearly 8,000 over four nights. Pepsi Night alone brought 2,100 rodeo fans to the final night of the rodeo.
Commercial vendors drew crowds with many new items for sale, and competing exhibitors handed out ribbons for a variety of categories such as Junior Livestock, which crowned several Montana state champions during its show.
“It was a good fair, big family crowds. Really great to see all the fun,” said John Hanschen of Mighty Thomas Carnival.
The 2023 Montana State Fair runs from July 28th to August 5th.
