More than $200 million worth of merchandise is estimated to sit on the Yorke Peninsula Field Days site and more than 35,000 people are anticipated to walk through the gates at this year’s event.
YPFD president Nick Correll says the event injects millions into the local economy.
“Local sport and service clubs raise funds through their canteens and other services during the event, which directly benefits the region,” he said.
Copper Coast Council chief executive officer Peter Harder said data showed accommodation income also flourished.
“This has been steadily increasing, with the largest increase, 58 per cent, achieved at the last event,” he said.
“Accommodation providers frequently tell us they are booked out well in advance of the event.
“But it is not comparable with our summer months due to the weather and the limited range of accommodation that is used for this type of event.
“We are seeing an increase in the take up of powered sites for the event, so that suggests people are combining it with a caravan holiday and staying longer.
“Early reports are that pre-bookings this year have been very good and we look forward to a busy period later this month.”
Mr Harder said events, such as the YPFD, were an important part of the council’s strategy to grow the local economy.
“Events expose people to what the Copper Coast has to offer,” he said.
“That exposure has led many people to buy or build more permanent holiday accommodation in one of our coastal locations. It also prompts them to revisit our area for future holidays.
“A lot has changed on the Copper Coast in the past decade and people are often pleasantly surprised at what our community has to offer.”
Mr Harder said the YPFD was self-sufficient and did not need an ongoing cash injection from the community.
He echoed Mr Correll’s statement that local clubs using the field days as an opportunity to fundraise was another way the event economically benefited the Copper Coast community.
The YPFD will be held on September 26-28 at Paskeville.
- Details: ypfielddays.com.au
Items of size to be bought later
Tools are the most commonly bought items at the field days, a survey revealed.
But Yorke Peninsula Field Days chief executive officer Elaine Bussenschutt said attendees often went to the field days to inspect the displays, and then followed up with a stallholder after the event to pursue a potential purchase, including agricultural machinery and equipment.
At least 1000 volunteers help out during the event.
