Economic Impact Study

The Washington State Department of Agriculture contracted with Community Attributes, Inc.(CAI), to complete an economic analysis of Washington’s Fairs. The most recent analysis had been completed in 2007 and the department felt it was important to gain a more recent analysis.

Throughout 2021, CAI reached out to all 69 agricultural fairs in Washington State requesting information to help them develop their report. Considering the impacts from COVID-19 to our state in 2020, all data included in this report is from 2019.

We are pleased to present this report and encourage you to read through it and gain a better understanding of all that our state’s fairs bring to not only their local communities but our state as a whole.

This study found that in 2019:
• More than 3.3 million people attended Washington’s agricultural fairs to view the latest trends in farming equipment, exhibit livestock and produce, enjoy the thrills of amusements, rides, music, and vendors.
• 68,000 exhibitors from across Washington and out-of-state participated in Washington’s fairs and shared their skills with others, connected with the public, and advertised for their businesses.
• 5,600 volunteers gave more than 136,000 hours of time to the community, representing an estimated value of $4.5 million.

2021 FAIRS ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY