NEW REPORT HIGHLIGHTS FAIRS AND FAIRGROUNDS AS CATALYSTS FOR LOCAL CHARITY IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE

Comprehensive survey results showcase fairs' support of local organizations and significant community impact

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) is sharing detailed information on the overall global community impact of fairs and fairgrounds, including their significant role as catalysts for local charity. Beyond funding their own missions, fairs and fairgrounds facilitate fundraising events for various organizations and provide a range of services that positively impact many areas and support stronger communities. The results of the 2026 IAFE Community Impact Survey, the first industry-wide data initiative to quantify the services these facilities provide, underscore the vital civic services fairgrounds provide year-round.

"In addition to the youth development done by fairs, many other groups providing community services rely on the fair for a major portion of their annual funding," said David Grindle, President and CEO of IAFE. "The fair is vital to continuing the work of so many community service organizations. We are proud to highlight this important partnership for others to recognize."

The IAFE is a voluntary nonprofit organization that supports agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions at the state, provincial, regional, and county levels. In doing so, IAFE substantiates the importance of these events in local communities and economies and underscores their far-reaching impact on job opportunities and tourism-related economic impact, including hotels, dining, fuel, airfare, rentals, and more.

How the data was collected: Industry estimates were calculated using responses from 501 fairs. The sample size and distribution of respondents by fair size provide a statistically representative basis for estimating industry-wide impact across approximately 5,000 fairs in the United States, Canada, and Australia. After collecting data, the next step was analysis and compilation conducted by IAFE. The survey results provide valuable insight into how fairs strengthen communities.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Estimated impact based on responses from fairs and fairgrounds regarding support of local nonprofits and charities.

• 75% serve as a primary fundraising platform for other nonprofits
• 78% support local nonprofits
• 36.67% donate food to food banks
• 83.61% provide space for community events year-round
• 52.22% make charitable donations to their community 

TESTIMONIALS:

• "The Erie County Fair is proud to serve as more than just an annual event. Each year, our fairgrounds become a platform for local charities and nonprofit organizations to raise awareness, engage with the community, and generate meaningful support for their missions. From our long-standing partnership with FeedMore WNY, which has resulted in more than one million pounds of food donations since 2013, to the outstanding efforts of the WNY WoodTurners, who have raised tens of thousands of dollars annually for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Fair provides a place for these organizations to share their stories and rally community support. In addition, our media partners utilize their booths and promotions throughout the Fair to raise funds for organizations including Kids Escaping Drugs, Variety Kids, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Prevention Focus. These partnerships reflect what makes the Erie County Fair special: bringing people together to celebrate agriculture and community while creating a lasting impact throughout Western New York." — Jessica Underberg, CFE, CEO/Fair Manager, Erie County Fair (Hamburg, N.Y.)
   
• "Western Fair Association works with various nonprofits and charities through the annual Western Fair event and throughout the year.  Two organizations that we work side-by-side with include Growing Chefs! Ontario and Harvest Hands — both contributing to a stronger community and region. Over the past 10+ years, the Western Fair Association has developed a strong partnership with Growing Chefs! Ontario. The organizations have woven their educational mandates together to design and deliver innovative Agri-educational learning opportunities to the community. Since 2015, our partnership has evolved from school tours during the 10-day fair to delivering a wide range of Food and Agri-Education Programs and experiences to schools, community organizations, and the general public that have reached over 110,000 children, youth, and families. More recently, Western Fair Association has worked with Harvest Hands Canada, a volunteer-driven food rescue organization dedicated to helping Canadians experiencing food insecurity. Since its inception, Harvest Hands has rescued more than $70 million worth of surplus food that would otherwise have been sent to landfills or destroyed. Through the dedication of its volunteers and generosity of its donors, food has been redistributed at no cost to more than 450 community organizations throughout Ontario. In September, the Western Fair invited Harvest Hands to participate throughout its annual 10-day fair. This included prominent visibility on the fairgrounds and a dedicated 'We Care Wednesday' initiative, offering discounted admission to fairgoers who brought nonperishable food donations. An extensive promotional campaign further amplified our message and raised awareness of food insecurity. This exposure helped Harvest Hands recruit additional volunteers, establish relationships with new food donors and financial supporters, and, most importantly, connect with community organizations that are now receiving ongoing food assistance." — Western Fair District (London, Ontario)

See the full report HERE.

About the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE)
The IAFE, based in Springfield, MO, is a voluntary nonprofit organization that supports agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions at the state, provincial, regional, and county levels. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, as well as non-agricultural expositions and festivals. Additionally, the organization collaborates with associations, corporations, and individuals who provide products and services to its members, all to enhance fairs, shows, expositions, and related fields. For more information, visit www.fairsandexpos.com.

SOURCE International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE)