Saturday, September 13, 2008

Life is Not Fair

And thank goodness for that.

We went to the Utah State Fair today and had a very good time, but I can't believe the prices. Seriously, are we made of money? The average family can't go to the fair and do rides and a meal without breaking the piggy bank. Tyler and I don't really have cash lying around, except for babysitting, so I grabbed what was on hand which turned out to be $32 dollars. That got us parking, two rides, two treats and yep, that's all. The ONE other ride we went on and admission we put on a card. We decided to stay until the money ran out, so it wasn't a very long trip. I knew it was bad when Tyler went to get napkins to clean sticky fingers and he came back and said, "The napkins aren't free."

WHAT!?!?!?

Turns out they were 7 for a $1. Didn't someone tell the vendors that since their food was already marked up 600% that they could afford to give napkins away this year. I think the Fair used to be a fun family activity, but now you just get gouged. Ouch!

And now that I have gotten the complaining out of the way, I will tell you what a great time we had. We went to see the animals first (at least that's free--wait I'm going to stop complaining now). We saw sheep, pigs, cows, goats, birds, rabbits, but not many horses. Apparently the horses don't stay until the end of the fair. There were only three or so left, but the girls got to take a ride on one since the owner happened to be there (I was suddenly wishing that I hadn't just forked over 11 bucks for the overpriced pony ride which the guy gave us a "discount" on since we had so many kids--no really, I'm going to stop now). I guess Robyn's face made it all worth it though. The lady next to me described it as 'pure joy'.



Some of my favorites animals were the baby pigs



(proof that even ugly animals have cute babies) and the rescue goat. Can you imagine being lost in the Unita Mountains and seeing this animal coming to your aid??



After the animals we did a couple rides. Robyn and Ivory loved the giant slide but June said it was too bumpy.



Then she insisted we go on the swinging boat.



In the picture the girls are clinging to the bar with a death grip, but they both claimed they loved it. June said it was her favorite thing about the Fair. Tyler said he tried to get them to let go and raise their hands, but Robyn said "No dad, I'll fly out."
We saw a few other things and then headed home. It really was a fun time together and Daisy slept the entire time (over 4 hours--thanks baby). We will probably even come back next year. Guess I should start saving up now.

7 comments:

meganmushrat said...

Maybe next year we should come and see your fair! Oh - I forgot - you have to come to ours so I can enter your mermaids. Maybe we can manage both of them. Pity they seem to be at the same time. Sorry it cost so much, but I'm glad you had a good time!

Jodi said...

My parents were also pretty disgusted with the prices of everything. I am not a fair person, and when I heard about all of the costs, we decided to skip it all together! It still looked like you guys had fun though!

¡Vieve! said...

That sounds like fun! I can't believe how expensive everything sounds. And charging for napkins?! Holy crap!

Chelle! said...

It looks as if you guys had a fabulous time. Too bad that they are now charging for napkins? Maybe we could set up a napkin stand at the fair and sell 20 napkins for a dollar--I bet we could make some serious money. HA HA

Anonymous said...

Can't believe it's so expensive, but it looks like you guys had a great time anyways!

Deanne said...

A fee for napkins, really? Even with the outrageous prices, it still looks like a fun day! I'm sad I missed it. Maybe next year.

Rachel said...

I'm glad you guys had fun! We are pretty frugal but we have spent some money this last summer on activities that the kids will look back on with good memories. I just wish I were as creative as you with all the fun traditions you do with your girls! I might just steal a few ideas from you! Oh, and paying for napkins!!! Ridiculous!