Adam R.
Ellsworth • Sioux Falls • May 16, 2009 Regardless of fraud or mismanagement questions of the past, we need to answer one question before moving forward: Are the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds really worth saving It is given that there are tangible economic benefits beyond the small operating staff. Yes, many of these are felt more directly by the city, but most of us are Minnehaha County residents as well. A healthy city breeds a healthy county. Most of the fairgrounds’ expenses should be fixed costs, which means as an event center, it’s a volume business – more events equal more net revenue. As a minor vendor at the fairgrounds, it seemed to me there always was something going on. Everything else aside, I know of days where Matt Adamski, the former executive director of the Sioux Empire Fair Association, worked 16 or more hours on a fixed salary. I’m sure some events were more profitable than others, but it’s unlikely that many singular events actually lost money. If so, prices, of course, need to be adjusted. I would think with tighter control of the finances balanced with continued dedication to local organizations, the fairgrounds could be run on a profitable basis. But there also are intangible benefits. The fairgrounds are able to use inmate labor, which keeps per-event labor costs low while providing employable experience to nonviolent offenders.
The unique experiences that both the county and state fairs offer have been discussed at length. But our local fairgrounds provide a niche venue for so many other events. The Sioux Falls Roller Dollz charity fundraisers, Supercross and local and regional concerts are just a few events I’ve worked or attended in the past 12 months. Many could not be held at any other facility in town – or at least cost-effectively.