SPRINGFIELD — It isn’t necessary to ride the Ferris wheel to heighten your profile at the Effingham County Fair.

Businesses, churches, clubs and other organizations can use booth space to market themselves during the Oct. 13-22 event.

“It’s great advertising,” said Kathy Morgan, chair of the fair’s Booth Committee. “The fair used to be seven days long. Now it’s 10 days long so a for-profit organization can advertise for 10 days for just $75.”

Morgan said booths provide tremendous visibility.

“Last year, I think we had more than 30,000 people attend the fair,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for small-town businesses and people trying to recover from COVID-19 because I know everybody is.

“It’s also great for nonprofits and churches.”

 Morgan said booths come in two sizes. The largest is 6 by 6 by 6.

The cost of a booth includes two free daily passes to the fair.

“This allows people to go in and check on their booth, if they do a raffle,” Morgan said. “Some people set up a table and do raffles, some have pamphlets and some people man theirs.”

The booths are judged. 

“You always have an opportunity to earn a little of your money back if you win one of the prizes,” Morgan said.  

Morgan said some booth builders display tremendous creativity. Artistry isn’t necessary for a booth to be effective, however.

“There are some that are really elaborate but it can be just as simple as putting a table in there with some signs or brochures on the wall,” Morgan said. “You don’t have to go to great lengths. You just have to make it look presentable.”

Morgan said there used to be a waiting list for booth space.

“It’s been awhile since we had that,” she said. “... We’re trying to increase community involvement and bring it back to where it has been in the past.”

To learn more about booths, the fair and its various competitions, download the Effingham County Fair Book at https://effinghamfair.org. Booth applications are included.