Letter To The Editor: Is it the State Fair or the State of the Fair?
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If you plan to go to the Fair this year, be prepared. As the saying goes, “This ain’t your grandfathers fair.”
Why? Where do I begin? The food vendors. More on that later. At least 3 fewer rides (and they were the most thrill ones at that.) Fewer overall vendors. Empty spaces in both food and around the park circle. Most notably absent this year is the free acts on the 3 Rivers Stage. None this year. Zero. Zilch. Nada. The Big Goose Egg. What replaced them? Free bingo at the times you would have seen shows.
So. Is it the wonderful (I say that loosely) County Commissioners or the (again loosely) Fair Board? Seems that we have people who were once kids like all of us were, and enjoyed fairs and all that, but now are overlords and can set the terms for what is fun.
Now about the food vendors. What has worked for years is now no longer allowed. Despite a clean record, it seems we have “Der Kommissar” who found that in the Minnesota State Fair problems happened and new rules of engagement had to implemented. So a fair that is one of the largest is compared to one of the smallest. Apples to oranges anyone? Coke to Pepsi? Some vendors no longer have the little paper cups for condiments. After all, paper is flammable. All of these changes required the vendors to pay more money to have what is now ordered for the privilege of serving us at the fair.
Seems there is money to be made in the name of safety (notice money comes first?) We all know it is “All about the Benjamin’s.” On the GFFR site on July 5th, a record of the calls made on the 4th was posted. One very interesting one stands out from the others. A fire that was started by the City’s fireworks was listed. Did they fine themselves? I doubt it. So there is a double standard depending on who or what you are. Just as if a dangerous intersection exists somewhere, before a light is put up there has to be enough accidents first. So show us the record of incidents at the fair that warrants the changes. Comparing us to a large city is not enough. The number of incidents over the years in terms of percentage should count. In doing so, when a certain outcome is desired, the info to obtain that outcome is placed. So could we really trust what the overlords tell us?
Keith
Well my wife and I went because we wanted to see Starship . We have not been to the fair in at least 5 years so we thought it would be all the same. Well we got there and walked around yes there were some changes we saw but was no big deal. So when we walked through the buildings yes there were empty spots but overall not that bad considering. Went to the concert starship was great foghat waas not the foghat I remember so we left after a few of their songs. Next the food court I thought prices would be very high but actually prices were well in line for an entertainment venue and were good Celt for the cheese curds they were ok. It cost a lot of money for the vendors to be here and it may look like a big crowd people here don’t have the money to spend on stuff their selling prices are high and always have been. But we have been to many concerts in many states and to buy a bottle of pop at them it’s at least $10 and food will start at $18 and go up so prices here are good maybe not great and yes everyone is in chase of the dollar bills have to be paid people need to be paid yes even employees you don’t see the ones behind the lines. So it kind of boils down to the real world if you can’t afford to go then don’t the fair is not like the government here to give every thing away
MAGA Won’t make America Great Again. I’m surprised you acknowledge that.
First they make money so tite,,, then complain when know one has money!
Somebody keeps letting Trump invade your mind. Nothing to do with Republicans or democrats, but need to throw this into comments. Good to know how you feel.
For the first time in my life, I have not attended the fair and have not planned to. It was depressing last year and I heard it was going to be worse this year. The county needs to give it back to the community and stop using it to make some quick cash to stuff in their pockets. Space prices are out of reach for locals and stupid expensive safety requirements for what if’s is just running off fair attractions. It hasn’t been a community fair for the last 10 years. It’s been a county fair that’s all about the county funding needs. It’s sad but that’s all it is right now and I’d recommend saving your money and going to the billings fair or take a vacation you will have more fun.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe the commissioners dismantled the fair board a couple years back?
The fair board (Expopark Advisory Board) was dissolved by the county commissioners in 2021. The fair board was actively seeking change for the MSF to increase attendance, increase food & commercial vendors, and reduce costs. The fair board was also actively asking for financial information from Expopark leadership and the county commission. Neither would provide the financial information to the board, even though they were legally required to do so. Once pushed, the county commission either needed to provide the financials, or dissolve the board entirely. They chose the latter rather than provide financials. Change for the MSF and Expopark will require a change in county commissioners.
Its Rick’s fault as you all know.