Maine Fair Prices - out of control (Bangor, Fryeburg: to rent, insurance)

[shadowfax1997]

Maine fairs are charging too much to get in the door. $10 just to walk into the common ground fair this weekend. 4 people going - $40 just to walk in. We will probably skip it.

Cumberland Fair - $9 entry weekends ( have to work so can't go during the week ). Fryeburg Fair - $10.

I think they are pricing these fairs out of hand for the common person, either that or you choose one to visit and thats it. Add the price of parking, food, beverages, rides - you can easily drop $100 in a day for two people.

[AlisonL]

Its not just in Maine. Prices are high every where. Its a sign of how the economy is. We paid $9 to go the NM state fair, but it was worth every penny, as we enjoy the fairs.

[Nor'Eastah]

Originally Posted by shadowfax1997

Maine fairs are charging too much to get in the door.

We may need to consider higher costs to rent the fairground, higher fuel charges to move the rides-display materials-food vendors to the site, higher advertising costs, and anything else that it costs money to run a fair these days.

I wouldn't blame the folks putting on the fairs. I doubt if they are cleaning up on these fairs!

[RHB]

I think you are right, the price of fairs keep people away, and there is an feeling that you are not getting your moneys worth.
I also found, when I had foster children, that is was cheaper for me to purchase a membership to a museum than to pay for all of to go in.
The activities at the Bangor site, I haven't found one that was worth the money to go in.
I don't know what's up with the costs...I was thinking about the insurance costs...but then there was the folk festival in Bangor, free to the public, and very nice.
But I don't think it's only Maine.

[mainebrokerman]

,,,the cover charge seems ridiculous,,but im sure its a reflection of increased costs, all around and liability insurance

[Submariner]

I pay $50 each year, I get a family membership.

I get their quarterly magazine.

We all go to the fair all three days, and we walk right in.

[Nor'Eastah]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

I pay $50 each year, I get a family membership.

I get their quarterly magazine.

We all go to the fair all three days, and we walk right in.

Now that doesn't sound like a bad deal at all!

[starwalker]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

I pay $50 each year, I get a family membership.

I get their quarterly magazine.

We all go to the fair all three days, and we walk right in.

We have a business membership.. a bit more bucks and a few more perks, but similar deal.

K will go back with me tomorrow... I was there today and didn't see anyone else... I did get to my scythe stuff but missed the other workshops on account I forgot how you loose track of time there and was in "gimp mode" myself after injuring my leg the other day. At workshop time I inevitably found myself on the OTHER side of the grounds...

However, I did pick up a lot of useful handouts, ordered a scythe made to fit my vertically challenged proportions, learned how to try to rehabilitate the abused American blade I have, bought one each of a good number of garlic varieties (all hard neck, too... Forest... ) to taste test and plant and got a soil text box from the extension agent.

I also bought a new broom (one each year for my collection)...

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by starwalker

...
I also bought a new broom (one each year for my collection)...

Does this broom have enough room to seat 2?

[Maine Writer]

I don't know how you'd beat $10 to get into one workshop let alone so workshop and the rest of the fair.