Rivco Fair and Date Fest Attracts 280,000 Despite Economy, Rain
The 2009 Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival ended on a high note Sunday, February 22. With nearly 280,000 people in attendance, it wasn’t far off from an all time attendance record of 303,000 in 2007. Given the economy, the strong attendance attests to the fact that residents enjoy the ambience of the annual event and are attracted to the, er, attractions. Attending the fair is a tradition for families, residents and visitors to the Coachella Valley.
If it hadn’t been for a rainy Presidents’ Day, the fair would have likely finished in the running for another top attendance record. It did set a record for opening day attendance with more than 24,000 people coming through the gates.
Knowing that everyone's entertainment dollars are stretched tight, the fair offered several successful promotions this year including free admission for the first four hours on opening day and “Fantasy $5 Friday,” during which admission (on the last Friday) was only $5 thanks to the Fair’s presenting sponsor Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
Improvements to the fairgrounds continue to enhance patrons’ enjoyment of the fair. This year, vendors and fairgoers gave thumbs up to the newly paved (in concrete, no less) midway section on the fairgrounds.
Fairgoers continue to enjoy the Fantasy Springs Concert Pavilion which featured concerts by such acts as John Michael Montgomery, El Coyote y Su Banda – Tierra Santa, and the Gin Blossoms.
As the Riverside County Economic Development Agency puts another successful fair in the books, it will also begin the planning for next year. Save the dates for the 64th Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, February 12 – 21, 2010. To find out what great new attractions will be coming to the fair in 2010, visit the website www.datefest.org. The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival is presented by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.