In 2024, we conducted a poll, and the results were clear—our community wants a carnival. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we are not financially able to provide one for the 2025 fair.
We want to be transparent about why. The carnival industry was hit hard by COVID-19 and financial challenges, leading to many providers in Missouri and Arkansas going out of business. This has greatly reduced the number of available providers. To secure a carnival, we contacted over 25 companies, both in-state and as far away as Florida, but we were unable to book one. Many are already booked years in advance, no longer service our area, or require a guarantee fee that we simply cannot afford.
What is a Guarantee Fee?
A guarantee fee is the amount the fair must commit to paying the carnival, regardless of ticket sales or event cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The lowest guarantee fee we’ve been quoted is $20,000. Historically, maximum ticket sales have only reached $12,000–$14,000, leaving a $6,000–$8,000 shortfall. As a nonprofit, the fair cannot absorb that financial risk, as we have no surplus funds—all revenue supports electricity, insurance, maintenance, and other operational expenses. It’s also a burden we cannot fairly ask our generous sponsors to shoulder.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We hear you, and we are actively seeking sponsors who may be able to help us fund a carnival in 2026. We remain hopeful that with additional support, we can bring one back in the future.
For 2025, we are committed to making the fair as fun as possible by adding more activities, inflatables, and games for all ages to enjoy.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work through these challenges. Thank you for being a part of the Fulton County Fair, and we hope to see you there!
Fulton County Fair Association
Board of Directors
