Champlain Valley Fair Named to Top 100 Events List

The American Bus Association (ABA) announced Sept. 6 that the Champlain Valley Fair, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2007 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. It is the only Vermont event included on the list. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that Vermont's largest annual event offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA.
With the release of the American Bus Association's 2007 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 25 years of the Top 100 Events. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.
"The attractiveness of the Champlain Valley Fair as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Essex Junction and the Champlain Valley Exposition," said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that the Fair has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Vermont and the Champlain Valley Fair an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners." The 2007 Champlain Valley Fair will be held Aug. 25-Sept. 3.
The news comes just two days after the close of the 85th annual Champlain Valley Fair, presented by Progressive Direct, attracted more than 281,000 people for 10 days of fun. Vermont's largest agricultural and entertainment event celebrates agriculture, commerce, music, food and fun. Highlights this year included concerts by top country performers Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts. Other 2006 highlights included an extreme motorcycle stunt show, demolition derby, horse shows, oxen and pony pulling, traditional trades demonstrations, a 57-ton sand sculpture, blue-ribbon cooking, crafts and arts competitions and the largest collection of midway thrill rides in the state.
"We are honored to be included on the same list as such well-known events as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, New Orleans' Mardi Gras, Philadelphia Flower Show, Calgary Stampede and the Montreal International Jazz Festival," said David Grimm, general manager of the Champlain Valley Exposition.
According to studies recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $13,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
"Simply put," said Pantuso, "motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer. That's why the Champlain Valley Fair is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay."
ABA's 2007 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected Champlain Valley Fair from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and convention and visitors bureaus. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.