Visitors spend less at St Veit fair

Visitors spent less than in previous years at the ten-day Wiesenmarkt fair in the town of St Veit an der Glan, ORF reported. The fair ended early Tuesday, with the town and most exhibitors satisfied with attendance and takings, but no record-breaking event expected.

A showwoman who has attended for years said people were more reluctant to spend, particularly during the evenings. The fair’s largest inn operator described business as very good, but said visitors drank less beer and more non-alcoholic beverages on warm afternoons than in previous years.

Total turnover at the fair had been estimated in advance at 20 million euros. Market official and Deputy Mayor Silvia Radaelli said it was unclear whether that target had been reached, noting that economic conditions had limited how much some visitors could spend.

Radaelli said emergency services had reported only incidents typical of a public festival, with no serious injuries. The final visitor count is still being compiled and is expected to be assessed in the coming days.