Some downtown businesses seeing decline in revenues during the Fair

Posted: Jul 22, 2010 6:11 PM by Danielle Lerner
Updated: Jul 22, 2010 8:37 PM

California Mid State Fair doesn't boost all business

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend this year's fair and that means big crowds and big bucks for Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo County.

However that is not the case everywhere.

Some small business owners are actually dealing with a decrease in revenue.

The rides are spinning and the food is grilling at this year's California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles.

More than 370,000 people will pack the fairgrounds in the coming days, and many nearby hotels are already at maximum capacity.

However you don't have to drive far to see another side of the story.

Just a few miles from the fairgrounds the atmosphere in the downtown area is a little different, some business owners say they are bracing for a tough twelve days.

"It does definitely bring business, not to a halt, but definitely slows business," said Jennifer Jansen, who owns Red Scooter Deli and Café.

Jansen prepared for the slow down, she is cutting back on staff for the next week and a half to try and keep costs low.

"It's cutting our numbers by about a third, I mean that's a pretty general estimate," said Jansen.

It is a similar situation on the other side of the park at Jayde.

"Business actually had a little bit of a dip when fair came around," said Alicia Millam, a manager at Jayde. "I think that's just because people are on the other end of town and not necessarily here downtown."

So while visitors and residents enjoy all the fun the fair has to offer, some downtown businesses are patiently waiting for their turn in the spotlight.

"Good thing it's only for two weeks," said Millam. "We're looking forward to the car show in September and then just other little things."

Some business owners are hoping the fair can work with the Downtown Association to give the downtown a bit more exposure during fair time.

Businesses near the fairgrounds say big-name entertainment also has a big positive impact on their numbers.

For example the Holiday Inn Express says Wednesday night's Justin Bieber concert had fans from across the United States staying the night.