Fair at the PNE records slightly lower attendance for 2018

Rides at Playland in the PNE. (Júbilo Haku / Flickr)

Attendance at the 108th annual Fair at the PNE was slightly lower than previous years, marking a three-year low for turnout.

PNE officials said they welcomed 705,381 guests through their gates throughout the entire duration of the 15-day Fair, down from 722,466 in 2017 and 712,367 in 2016.

This was the lowest attendance since 2015 when poor weather and a large windstorm wreaked havoc on the Fair’s operations.

It is believed the poor air quality from wildfire smoke kept some would-be guests indoors during the first week of the Fair. However, attendance was strong throughout the second week, which led to some of the busiest days in Fair history.

“The Fair at the PNE is a family-focused event for generations of British Columbians and every year our goal is to provide a memorable experience for guests of all ages,” said PNE President and CEO Shelley Frost in a statement.

“Thanks to a dynamic entertainment lineup that is both fun and family-friendly, we’ve successfully delivered on our mission of providing priceless memories to the thousands of guests who came in from across the lower mainland and throughout the province and world.”

Here is a breakdown of the Fair’s annual attendance history:

2018 – 705,381
2017 – 722,466
2016 – 712,367
2015 – 678,193
2014 – 769,242
2013 – 712,049
2012 – 763,000
2011 – 803,598
2010 – 937,485
2009 – 855,137
2008 – 753,298
2007 – 906,808
2006 – 958,781
2005 – 903,467

Last year, the PNE said it was no longer considering a plan to move the Fair from the traditional Fair period ending on the Labour Day long weekend to July to take advantage of better summer weather conditions.

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