By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
EL RENO – A new monthly report will keep Canadian County’s elected officials updated on the myriad of activities happening at its $20 million fairgrounds complex.
Canadian County Expo & Event Director Interim Director Mandy Davis presented her first report during the July 3rd Canadian County Commissioners’ meeting.
The Canadian County-owned facility, 3001 Jensen Road E just south of Interstate 40, recently celebrated its second anniversary.
“In fiscal year 2023, we had total deposits of $294,911 in rental income,” Davis told county commissioners. “That is a 50% increase from our first year of operations.
“Our economic impact for fiscal year ’23 was $15.2 million. We had around 65,000 visitors to the facility. So, really incredible, strong numbers for our second year of operations.”
The economic impact is calculated using metrics provided by the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and approved by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, according to Davis.
The Expo Center’s visitors are tracked through ticket sales and post-event recaps with event promoters, she added.
Canadian County Commission Chairman Dave Anderson said he will place the Expo Center report on the commissioners’ regular meeting agenda for the first Monday each month.
“It will provide an update on what’s been going on,” Anderson said. “We want to start doing this monthly.”
Since opening in July 2021, the Canadian County Expo & Event Center has remained steadily busy. The event “rebooking” rate has stayed above 90% during the first 24 months, according to data provided by Davis.
‘VERY WELL USED’
On the first weekend in July, the fairgrounds’ facility hosted Jeff Smith Productions’ “Signature Series” Oklahoma roping championships. There were 15 separate roping events with an average of 150 teams competing in each.
“So, that’s 4,500 different ropings that happened out there between Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” Davis shared.
“The facility was very well used and utilized. They rented out every single stall that we had. So, we have a massive cleanup ahead – but it was definitely worth it!”
An Oklahoma Horse Show Association competition was July 8, the Oklahoma Cornhole Tournament was July 14-16 and Texas Christian University’s Ranch Management Alumni & Family Roping Event was July 15 at the busy Canadian County Expo & Event Center.
And coming up this weekend is the Great Plains Rodeo July 21-23.
Banner Co-op has partnered with Purina to present an Honor Cattle Clinic and Jackpot Show on Aug. 12 in the indoor arena.
This will prepare Canadian County students participating in the annual county fair Aug. 18-26.
