JACKSON, MI – To say attendance at the 2013 Jackson County Fair was good, might be an understatement.

“It was the best year since 2003,” Fair Operations Manager Denise Owens said adding that 224,450 fairgoers attended the annual event this year.

That’s a 40 percent increase from last year. The fair ran Aug. 4-10 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds.

“We heard a consistent message from both concessions and our midway company that it was a banner year,” Owens said.

Besides the good weather, the bands this year most likely had something to do with the increase.

“It had a lot to do with it,” said Jackson County Fair Director Brandon Ransom. “I give a lot of credit to the fair board for stepping up and taking a look at top-notch entertainment.”

The Aug. 4 country music concert featuring the Band Perry and Kristen Kelly drew 5,400 people. The following night, a hard rock show featuring Godsmack and Pop Evil drew 3,800.

, but t

hat was never an option for fair board members.

“The shows really fit the bill in getting people here,” Ransom said of both concerts.

Owens said the turnouts were two of the best for concerts since she's been with the fair.

She became the operations manager in late 2009. Prior to that, she held a supporting administrative role for several years.

While attendance at the 2013 fair was better than expected, it did pose one problem.

At times the parking lot was at capacity and had to be closed off until cars left, opening up spots. This happened at least once a day, if not more.

“It was a good problem to have,” Ransom said.