Big Butler Fair a boost to businesses
FRANKLIN TWP — Fairgoers’ arteries can rest easy now that the annual Big Butler Fair has officially ended.
While the spoils of the week are still being counted, many local businesses were able to benefit from the residual economic windfall the fair produces.
“It’s one of the largest tourist events of the county,” said Jack Cohen, president of the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau.
With an estimated 150,000 people attending the weeklong event, there are plenty of opportunities for local business to see a substantial increase in their profit margins. The annual fair can generate millions of dollars for the local community, according to Cohen.
Justin Kingerski, owner of K & K Parts, a manufactured housing and recreational vehicle parts and accessories store on New Castle Road, just about a mile from the fairground, is aware of the economic windfall the fair brings to the community.
“The fair is the main reason we stayed open on July 3,” Kingerski said. “Propane is one of the major proponents and one of our bestsellers during the week of the fair. Vendors depend on us, and we make sure that their needs are met.”
Kingerski estimates the sale of propane doubled during the week.
Butler County invests resources, such as advertising, to bringing people to the fair.
“Our job is to market the fair,” Cohen said. “We spend a lot of dollars outside of the community to get people to come here so we get revenue not just from our own citizens, but from people outside our community. That’s economic development.”
Vendors, owners of the fairground, local businesses and gig workers are potential beneficiaries of the influx of people who visit the fair, according to Cohen.
Jordan Grady, president of Butler County Chamber of Commerce, is aware of economic effect the fair has on the county.
“The Big Butler Fair is more than an event; it's an economic engine that drives growth and prosperity in our community,” Grady said. “Large-scale events like the Big Butler Fair can significantly stimulate the local economy by attracting thousands of people who spend on accommodation, food, transportation and other services.”
Nonprofits such as the 4-H use the fair as a fundraising event. Children from the organization host a petting zoo in order to help raise funds for future conferences and camps, according to Butler County 4-H educator Amy Metrick.
“The fair provides us the building. We set it up, and we get families to donate. It’s a good thing and promotion for our kids, and it lets them talk to the public about the local animals.”
Metrick estimates that the 4-H was able to raise about $500 through donations.
The Big Butler Fair also will make a monetary contribution to the 4-H organization at a later date, Metrick said.
Several factors are used in determining the amount of money generated by the fair. The tourism bureau uses a formula produced by the national tourism association, according to Cohen. Those numbers are not yet available.
Cohen does have the numbers for when the fair was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our tourism business dropped about 90% during COVID,” Cohen said.
Just across the street from the main entrance of the fair, Tom Taylor, owner of the Fairground Market, saw his family’s business increase an estimated 50%.
“It’s the best week of the year for business,” Taylor said.
Taylor who has owned the market for 40 years, says people from the fair tend to focus on the food, snacks and cold drinks.
Taylor thinks there is more than just an economic benefit from the fair.
“It’s a great thing for the community, ” Taylor said. “It’s great and provides great entertainment.”
