[mkat321]

My husband moved back to Indiana in 2004 after 8 years in Fort Smith. We have talked about taking the kids to Fort Smith for almost the entire 5 years he's been here. It looks like we may have the opportunity to go around 28 September.

Husband has been yapping about how cool the fireworks and tone of the fair are every year. {mostly because our county fair is the epitome of FAIL every.single.year.} That said, I'm wondering if it's all he's making it out to be, what the admission cost looks like, the price of ride tickets etc. I checked the fair's website and it's all 'coming soon' for prices. I tried to google last years rates to no avail. If anyone remembers last years rates please post so I can get a better handle on our financial picture for a potential trip.

Also, the hotels we're looking at due to the size of our party are the Courtyard and the Hampton, both in Fort Smith. I've seen mixed reviews of both. Any comments/thoughts on either/both are more than welcome as well. The husband never stayed in a hotel while he lived out there so he's zero help.

[Dr. Foosball]

I think your husband doesn't really remember the fair that well. It is just a dirty old fair on dirty old fairgorunds, and I don't ever remember fireworks, maybe someone can correct me on that.

BTW, the Wayback Machine is your friend. Here is an archived 2007 website with the prices. It is two years old, but it should be close:

Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair - Kay Rodgers Park

The Courtyard is nice, it is right next to the Holiday Inn, which is also nice. Both are within walking distance to Garrison Avenue, which would give you places to eat and maybe a little night life.