Despite Economic Slump, Fair-Goers Still Having A Good Time
Tens of thousands of visitors turned out for the first weekend of the North Carolina State Fair.
But according to numbers released by fair officials, there was a drop off compared to last year.
According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, 85,495 people turned out Sunday. But last year, the same day total was 93,473 people.
Some fair-goers on Monday say they making adjustments because of the economy.
For Alan Amith and his family, the economy has put a crimp in their trip to the fair.
“A real small budget I must say,” Smith said as he and his family were walking toward the fairgrounds.
He said they came to the fair last year and spent a lot of money on rides and food, but this year he and his family of four are watching what they spend.
“I brought a hundred dollars, and we’re going to try to get by with that,” Smith said.
The price of entry is $7 per adult, so the Smiths shelled out $28 to get in, more than a quarter of their budget.
Inside the fairgrounds the Howell and O’Brien families said they are watching what they spend, but they’re hoping to have fun at the fair.
“Naturally, like everybody we’re concerned a bit … with the economy like it is; everybody is concerned now, but something like this you expect to spend a little money,” Kimmie Howell as he stood with his two grandchildren.
His son-in-law, Brad O’Brian, said their biggest expense was the rides for the kids.
“We budgeted about $30 (for) three books of tickets, but it’s probably going to be more than that now,” O’Brian said.
In line at concessions, the Macon family was trying to decide between brats and burgers.
For a family of four, their fair food tally rang up to $22.
But they say they’re trying not to let the economy affect their fair fun.
“We save up for this, so we actually save up to have a good time,” said Lindy Irwin.
Every year the fair comes at about the same time as her daughter’s birthday.
Grandma helps with the tickets to get in, so Irwin says she and her husband can afford to spend a bit for a fun fair trip.
And to make sure they didn’t break the bank at the fair, they saved up by cutting back their shopping before the fair and made other adjustments.
“As far as the price of gas … we’ve stayed home a lot,” Irwin said.
Fair officials say they did set records for attendance last year, and the weather might have been an issue Sunday.
So it’s not clear if the economy can be blamed for the drop off in fair-goers.
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