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Admission ticket price wasn't the main culprit of stickershock and wallet pain. In visiting 4 food stands (splitting the food and cost at 3 of them) and one ride on the sky-rider Ferris wheel......I spent over $60 just on myself.
What is 60 bucks? Peanuts these days. And you only do this once a year. You probably spend more on your cell phone bill or cable.
What is 60 bucks? Peanuts these days. And you only do this once a year. You probably spend more on your cell phone bill or cable.
For me myself.....it was not a major financial stretch.
For a family of 4 or 5 on a fixed income? Likely a different story.
My point was not "I can't spend $75 for one night at the Fair so I won't be going back"
But rather that as prices increase; those costs add up especially for families with kids (arguably the fair's most significant target demographic)....thus said increasing prices are likely a significant factor in the downward trend of Fair attendence numbers.
I went with family and friends last Friday. Great weather but surprisingly didn't feel crowded.
I've been to the fair every year for the past 6 years, my observations this year:
1) Food prices went up.
2) Carnival games went up (most $5 per game).
3) Large ferris wheel was in odd location behind Dorton Arena.
4) Fireworks moved to the pond. Not a lot of people watched it.
Everything else was pretty much the same every year, exhibits, food stands, were almost in the same locations.
Perhaps people are getting bored as nothing new and exciting?
For me myself.....it was not a major financial stretch.
For a family of 4 or 5 on a fixed income? Likely a different story.
My point was not "I can't spend $75 for one night at the Fair so I won't be going back"
But rather that as prices increase; those costs add up especially for families with kids (arguably the fair's most significant target demographic)....thus said increasing prices are likely a significant factor in the downward trend of Fair attendence numbers.
Especially true for people who travel....we are looking at this as a local amenity. But people come from all over to go the fair.
I don't mind spending money, and like to spend it on experiences. However, the fair often made me feel like "what did I get for that" upon leaving. Haven't been in a few years, kids have gone. DD did a couple rides, played some games, and dropped $60. She might have had one thing to eat but not sure, and if she did it was something basic.
Admission ticket price wasn't the main culprit of stickershock and wallet pain. In visiting 4 food stands (splitting the food and cost at 3 of them) and one ride on the sky-rider Ferris wheel......I spent over $60 just on myself.
I agree. I just realized that we haven't been to the fair since our son was in middle school. He's 31 now. Back then it was expensive to us, our son would ride some rides, we'd play a couple of games and eat a few things and we'd be out close to $100. I'd rather spend that money on something else. Plus as I've gotten older, I've developed even less tolerance for crowds.
I went with family and friends last Friday. Great weather but surprisingly didn't feel crowded.
I've been to the fair every year for the past 6 years, my observations this year:
1) Food prices went up.
2) Carnival games went up (most $5 per game).
3) Large ferris wheel was in odd location behind Dorton Arena.
4) Fireworks moved to the pond. Not a lot of people watched it.
Everything else was pretty much the same every year, exhibits, food stands, were almost in the same locations.
Perhaps people are getting bored as nothing new and exciting?
Those things might be it... and the rain... but as I said previously, I attended on two usually PEAK days and it didn't crowded at all. Easily navigable. I also have business dealings in the area, and traffic was never THAT bad.
I'd be curious to see a demo breakdown of attendees and see which demo profiles are increasing, decreasing and remaining stagnant over the past 5 years.
I'd be curious to see a demo breakdown of attendees and see which demo profiles are increasing, decreasing and remaining stagnant over the past 5 years.
That would be interesting. I would think the numbers of older Fair lovers are dropping off, but don’t know for sure.
I'd be curious to see a demo breakdown of attendees and see which demo profiles are increasing, decreasing and remaining stagnant over the past 5 years.
How/Where would they get the data? I would question the validity of any such report, as I saw no one making any notes, etc as people were entering the fair.
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