This year’s PNE wrapped up Monday – and while organizers called the 2013 fair a success, attendance numbers ultimately fell short of expectations.
The 103rd edition of the popular event attracted 712,049 people, according to organizers.
That’s short of the 800,000 expected when the fair began, and is less than the 763,000 attendees in 2012.
The PNE made several changes to its format this year in a bid to get more people through the gates, including lower ticket and parking prices.
The annual event closed down on two Mondays for the first time in its history to try to save money on traditionally slow days.
It was also dealt some problems, such as two power outages during fair hours and several rainy days.
“This was the first year of a five-year plan to energize The Fair at the PNE,” PNE President and CEO Michael McDaniel said in a statement. “Overall we were very pleased with the experience our guests received despite the operational challenges of two power outages and some rain on a couple of key fair days.”
Next year’s PNE will run from Aug. 16 to Sept. 1, 2014.
