It was a record-breaking year for the Benton-Franklin Fair & Rodeo when it came to public transit and more.

Ben Franklin Transit said 30,687 people took advantage of its free shuttle service during the five-day event, beating the prior record of 28,422 set in 2019. 

Nearly 8,000 people took the bus on Friday alone, with many planning to attend the Smashmouth and Sir Mix-A-Lot concert. 

“I give a lot of credit to BFT for that,” said Lori Lancaster, executive director of the Benton Franklin Fair Association, to the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business. “They have some new people in place that have really embraced it.” 

Fair officials announced that 123,000 people from 41 states attended this year's fair and rodeo. In addition, the Market Stock Auction featuring animals raised by 4-H and FFA youth generated a record-breaking $1.5 million while 6,719 elephant ears were fried by Rotary club volunteers.

9/4/2025: This story was updated to include attendance and other event figures provided by the Benton-Franklin Fair Association.