Community Corner
'A Fair to Remember' Proves a Success
With an increase in attendance and revenue, the 84th annual Lake County Fair was "the best run fair since being at the new location," officials said.
The fairgrounds on Peterson Road in Grayslake are quiet now following a successful run of the 84th annual Lake County Fair that wrapped up Sunday. Sporting a new layout, new competitions and new partnerships, the fair proved one to be rememberd.
"We're just really thrilled with how everything went," said Sheri Vyfvinkel, General Manager of the Lake County Fair. "This really has been the best run fair since we've been to the new location."
Attendance increased to 91,458 this year, from 89,000 visitors in 2011. Revenues also were up nine percent over last year.
Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"We’ve spent the past year analyzing, dreaming and restructuring everything from entertainment to the fair layout and operations," said Vyfvinkel, a Lake County resident with two fairs now under her belt as general manager.
"Everything about this year’s fair was positive," said Kelli Kepler-Yarc, board president, Lake County Fair Association. "Sheri’s passion and experience has given the fair vision. Everybody has picked up that excitement."
Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
One of Vyfvinkel’s first decisions, with support from the Lake County Fair Association board, was to trim a day from the event’s traditional five-day run, to cut expenses and provide a more targeted and meaningful fair experience.
"We have received many compliments, including on the new layout and visual displays in the expo hall and improved foot-traffic around the entire fairgrounds." Vyfvinkel said. "The additions of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, livestock costume contest, Ag Adventure, live competitions and monster truck shows were instant hits and will be new traditions."
Vyfvinkel said the community can look for more exciting elements in the 2013 fair. "Ideas are already in the works as we strive to build on our successes this year," she said. "It truly was a fair to remember and we are thrilled with its success."
The 2013 Lake County Fair is scheduled for July 24 through July 28. For information on planning, programs and activities, log on to the Lake County Fair website.
