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The Chamber oversees the Fair which is run by an all-volunteer board. All profits from the five-day event held every year in early August are funneled back through the Chamber.
"We're a nonprofit organization, as is the Fair Board," Wessels points out. "The profits go toward many community endeavors, including the Fair itself for livestock scholarships, prize premiums, entertainment and so much more."
For the 2009 Fair, more than 40 volunteer organizations contributed thousands of hours and earned over $100,000 for their various causes, he said, and nearly $10,000 was awarded in scholarships to livestock exhibitors.
"Throw in $50,000 in premiums and prizes to all exhibitors of all ages and $500,000 in purchases from local businesses and you have the immediate effects of the Fair," Wessels noted.
The Fair profits also enable the Chamber to donate to many causes and programs in the community, including the Franklin County Area United Way, Washington Historical Society, Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame, the community Thanksgiving Day dinner, sister city activities, American Legion, Newspaper in Education and more.
"We also help sponsor Business After Hours for our members, the Sunset on the Riverfront events with Downtown Washington Inc. and our own events such as the Olde Fashion Christmas, speaker series, home show, tourism and the list goes on and on," he said.
"We have helped financially with many projects, partnering with the city or other civic groups, for things like the Farmers' Market, parks improvements and more," he points out.
The Chamber also provides $14,000 annually to the city for economic development.
Wessels said he's also heard from volunteers who don't understand why they have to buy a Fair ticket.
"We understand and appreciate that they're donating their time, but they're also donating to the many programs and events the Chamber sponsors by buying a ticket," he said. "With a few exceptions, everyone buys a ticket to the Fair, including the Chamber staff and Fair Board members."
Those exceptions are major Fair sponsors who might receive tickets as part of an advertising/sponsorship package or for instance, a radio station, that receives passes in exchange for promoting the event and giving away tickets to listeners.
Wessels said the Chamber's membership dues, bed tax and revenue generated from the license office and other sources are not enough to keep the organization afloat. "It's the Fair profits that make up our losses," he said.
"The only reason we can do all of the things we do is because of the successful Fairs we have," he said. "Without those monies we would have to eliminate some activities and programs."
With Fair profits declining in recent years due to rising entertainment costs associated with the event, Wessels said the Fair Board is focusing more on corporate sponsorships and new avenues for advertising.
"We've held pretty tight on the Fair ticket prices, but everything is costing more," he said. "The individual volunteer who purchases a ticket to work can proudly state that he or she is giving time, sweat and a donation to all of these community causes and efforts."
Wessels said the Washington Fair has always been volunteer-driven. "It's what makes us so unique among other communities and I think it's why our Fairs are so successful.
"We go to conferences and people can't believe what we're able to do here and the kind of entertainment we bring in and the shows we put on. It's truly special," he said.
