The 2017 Grays Harbor County Fair set a record for total attendance.

Overall, 67,866 people attended the fair, which broke the previous record by 931. The previous record was set in 2014.

This year’s fair started out on a high note with 11,312 people, some 2,800 more people than in 2016. Wednesday night also saw the headlining act, Old Dominion, taking the stage.

“The Old Dominion concert really spiked our Wednesday attendance, so that was positive,” said fair manager Mike Bruner.

Bruner also credited The Olson Brothers for drawing a strong crowd on Friday.

But the numbers really should be credited to good weather and good marketing, Bruner said.

“You don’t want it too hot and you don’t want it raining,” Bruner said. “65 to 75 degrees and dry is good weather for the fair.”

The week saw moderate temperatures, and a slight rain hit the area at the tail end of Saturday night, dampening the crowd that gathered to watch Petty Fever, a Tom Petty tribute band.

As for marketing efforts, Bruner said the television marketing campaign created by Friendly Voice Productions, headed by Steve Lawson, captured the essence of the fair and attracted many people from outside of Grays Harbor County.

“When Old Dominion played, they asked how many people were locals and only about 20 percent of the crowd raised their hands,” Bruner said. “Overall, it’s marketing. Our marketing push for this year’s fair was pretty good. It was our most favorite TV commercial that we’ve had for the fair in a really long time. Having that positive message and something that’s catchy that people see on TV is really helpful.”

In the end, that boost of outsiders is good news for locals, Bruner said.

“The marketing is bringing people from outside of our community in to learn things about our community,” he said. “That’s what the fair is for is to showcase and celebrate our community.”