Debt burden ends Nevada State Fair after 136 years

[March 10, 2011]  RENO, Nev. (AP) -- The Nevada State Fair is folding up its tent, ending a run of 136 consecutive years this summer due to an insurmountable budget deficit.

Ulysses S. Grant was president when Nevada held its first state fair in 1874, but it will now join Michigan to become the only states in the nation without such an event.

Executive Director Rich Crombie says the fair is the $280,000 in debt, thanks in part to slumping attendance. A series of last-ditch fundraising events brought in only about $20,000 of the amount needed to cover the bill.

The fair's board of directors met Tuesday night and concluded they have no choice but to cancel the 2011 fair scheduled for August.

Crombie says fundraising will continue in hope of resuming the fair next year.

[Associated Press]

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