The 50th Anniversary of the Southeast Alaska State Fair broke records, earning more revenue and garnering more attendance than any previous fair.

Fair executive director Jessica Edwards briefed attendees at the fair’s annual membership meeting Aug. 31 where members provided feedback to the fair board and later ate a salmon dinner.

Revenue and attendance increased by about 5.5 percent this year compared to the 2011 fair, which is now the second biggest year on record.

“Those were two super banner years, hot and sunny. Weather definitely is a huge factor for the fair,” Edwards said. “I think we always have a core group of people who like to come and people who decide they’re going to come regardless, but then the good weather is that extra [motivator].”

The fair hired a marketing firm and expanded its advertising campaign to target families and dual income households with no kids (DINKS) in Juneau and Whitehorse. “We did have a market increase in pre-sales and in Whitehorse pre-sales,” Edwards said. “We got data on income, interests of different user groups and demographics.”

The fair’s advertising messages targeted the dual income households, which attracts other demographics as well, Edwards said. “[Baby] Boomers don’t like to be marketed to. They go for what you’re marketing to the DINKS.”

The fair’s 50th will be Edwards’ last as executive director. She will step down as director in January and serve as the fair’s events manager through next August. “I really love the events. It’s what drew me to it in the first place,” Edwards said. “That’s where my heart lies.”

Harriett Hall was renovated under Edwards, as well as the expansion of renting fair facilities. Edwards will move on from the fair to become more involved in her family business, Haines Rafting Company, next August.

Longtime fair volunteer and current events coordinator Aldeana Stout is also stepping down. Stout started volunteering at the fair in 1975, the year after she moved to town, and has been involved ever since. She’s moving to Moab, Utah where she hopes to expand her catering business and work as a personal chef. “I’m seeking my fortune,” Stout said.

At the annual membership meeting, the fair board presented Stout with a lifetime membership to the fair.

Fair member Thom Ely also donated a passenger van to the fair.

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