The Collegian

Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: Arts

Gate admission to the 159th Hillsdale County Fair dropped this year, but not necessarily because of the economy, Manager Scott Dow said. While some previous patrons may not have attended due to the rough economy, Dow said he thinks the cold, rainy weather is to blame. "The gate was definitely down this year," Dow said. "In our buildings there was a lot of positive feedback because it was cold, windy and rainy. Those [buildings] were well-attended and saw a little higher business than the outside events." Sunday Sept. 27 was a "banner" day for the fair, Dow said, as the weather was still fairly nice that day. The Craig Morgan concert and combine demolition derby were some of the most well-attended events, he said. Dow said he was disappointed that some of the free shows didn't draw bigger crowds, but understands that many people opted out of mid-week shows and events due to the weather. The only way the fair can make money off of free events is from general admission, which, he explained, was down this year. "In this type of business, we're so weather dependent that you could worry yourself to death," he said. "This year, I did."

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