The Genesee County Fair has gotten better each of the last two years and attendance figures bear that out, Norm Pimm told the County Legislature's Human Services Committee.
Last year, attendance was up 30 percent and fair organizers are taking aim at even more growth in 2015.
"Attendance is up double figures two years in a row," Pimm said. "That doesn't happen if you're not putting on a good product."
This year, there will be new local bands, bigger tractor pulls and a significantly expanded Midway.
The board is planning on nearly doubling the budget for rides, going up to $40,000 this year.
The midway isn't a big money maker for the fair, but a good midway is essential to overall fair attendance. Not everyone is interested in livestock and stock cars.
"When we looking for vendors, we said we had $25,000 to spend and we couldn't even get vendors to call us back," Pimm said. "The ones that did sort of laughed and said 'that's 20 years ago money.' So we realized we had to invest more money into the midway so we had something where people want to come and bring their kids."
The fair runs July 21 through 25.
The county will contribute $11,000 to the 4-H program.
Pimm said the fair's success can also be judged by the number of local businesses supporting the fair, either through donations, sponsorships or taking a booth as a vendor. In all three categories, the fair did better last year than previous years and will at least match that level of participation this year, based on indications so far, Pimm said.
"This is the most active board we've had in years, and it's making a difference," Pimm said.
Pimm is confident that people who haven't been to the fair in recent years, if they come this year, they will have a good time.
"It's just $5 a car load to attend," Pimm said. "Come on, spend your $5 and you won't be disappointed. If you are, come and find a member of the board of directors and we'll give you your $5 back."
