Is The Fair Worth It? By: Alissa Alvarado

Fairs have long been a staple of community life offering rides, food, entertainment, and a chance to connect with others.With ticket prices, crowded spaces, and the growing number of entertainment options available, many people wonder, is the fair worth the time and money? 

According to Mycenaean “Personally, if you have the money to spend, it’s fun to walk around the fair with your friends and maybe try out some food. If you aren’t interested in dropping over  $40 for a day to walk around and eat, support another local business or go to the farmer’s market.” Mark Imaria, a student from Hillgrove High School, goes into further detail about the prices of the fair and what it looks for him, “Okay, um look, I'm be honest, I don't feel like it's that bad.  It's just like 25 to 35, depending on what day you want to go, but I got in for free because, like, I got this ticket, and they just gave me my stamp.” The fair’s prices were set thoughtfully to make the event affordable for many, while still supporting the quality of the 

attractions and activities. 

When considering the value of the fair, one key question is whether the rides provide an enjoyable experience for visitors. Based on Reifflawfirm, “For instance, carnival rides are constantly traveling.  This means that they are disassembled and reassembled, day in and day out, often by laborers hired for low wages on a short-term basis.  Not only are they constantly broken down and rebuilt (potentially increasing the chance of a mistake being made in a sheer number game), but they are also regularly passing through different locations with different climates.  Materials can shrink or expand, tighten or loosen, or short-circuit completely.” Ayden Robinson, a student from Hillgrove High school, recalls his thoughts on the rides, “There's different sort of rides at the fair. Yeah, and like, it's roller coasters at the Six Flags, and at the fair, it's like, it's like the spinning rides.” Overall, the rides offer a mix of excitement and fun that makes them a highlight of the fair experience.  

The fair can be a great place for families and friends to spend quality time together. In the view of Dailymom, “County fairs are typically smaller in nature. This means more time together as a family to focus on one another, and less time being distracted by technology and the typical hustle and bustle that comes with an evening or weekend. Together as a family decide what you want to see, hear, taste, and see at the county fair. There are endless options from watching shows to grabbing a meal, being silly on roller coasters, perusing the animal barn and just taking in the sights (yes, AND smells) that exist there.” Tiffny Hoilett, a student from Hillgrove High school mentions the fun experience with family and friends at the fair, “Think it's pretty valuable, you know.  It's a fun place to hang out and, you know, have a blast with your friends, I think that, you know, it's just like, it's fun stuff to do together, and that's always good. Yeah.” Spending time with friends and family at the fair creates lasting memories filled with laughter and fun. Overall, the shared experience strengthens bonds and makes the visit truly special.