Earlier start date for Lake County Fair proves beneficial

Timing often can play a critical role in the success of community events.

Just ask the organizers of the Lake County Fair.

This year, the Lake County Fair took place from July 25 through 30 — about three weeks earlier than the event had traditionally been held in previous years.

The Fair Board voted to move the 2017 fair up to the last week of July because of another changing tradition — schools beginning their academic years in August, with start dates that seemed to get earlier every year.

In 2015, three-quarters of Lake County school districts were in session by the time the fair rolled around in mid-August. Last year, all but one was in session.

The earlier beginning to the school year affected attendance and created conflicts for 4-H students participating in the fair.

The Fair Board’s decision appears to have been a successful one.

“It’s been phenomenal, there’s no other way to say it,” Fair Board member Bob Dawson said.

Dawson added, “virtually every number I’ve seen is up by far.” There were more exhibitors, participants and attendees, he said.

An earlier starting date for the Lake County Fair clearly proved to an example of good timing. We commend the Fair Board on making a smart strategic decision.