The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture commissioned ESI to evaluate the economic impact of 107 county and local agricultural fairs held annually across the Commonwealth. This study examined the annual direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts generated by the Pennsylvania fair industry and explored its broader contributions to Pennsylvania in terms of economic vitality, cultural heritage, and community cohesion.
Using industry-standard IMPLAN modeling software, ESI created a custom input-output model to calculate impacts from fairs’ direct spending (operations and capital investments) and visitor spending. Data was collected through comprehensive surveys of fair organizers and visitors, interviews with key stakeholders, and statistical analysis of attendance figures. The study provides a complete picture of economic benefits at local, regional, and statewide levels.
The study revealed that Pennsylvania’s agricultural fairs generate $1.14 billion in annual statewide economic impact. The research shows these fairs support more than 10,700 jobs across the Commonwealth with $398 million in employee compensation. State tax revenue from fair activity reaches $21.2 million annually. For every dollar invested by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in the state’s county and local agricultural fairs, the Commonwealth sees $286 in economic impact and $5 in state fiscal returns.
Beyond measurable economic impacts, the fairs strengthen community bonds, preserve agricultural heritage, and create vital platforms for rural economic development. The study highlights how agricultural fairs function as economic engines that generate revenue, create jobs, and promote regional development across the state. These events not only attract thousands of visitors who contribute to local businesses through spending at hotels, restaurants, and shops, but also provide opportunities for agricultural education and promotion, supporting the state’s vital farming sector. Agricultural fairs serve as anchors of economic activity within farming communities while simultaneously building destination awareness and promoting tourism throughout the Commonwealth.