Better than fair at the St. Joe County fair Save Email Print
St. Joseph County
Posted: 7:04 PM Jul 30, 2008
Last Updated: 7:08 PM Jul 30, 2008
Reporter: Alana Greenfogel
Email Address: Alana.Greenfogel@WNDU.com

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Whether it's the sounds of the screams, the smells of the sausage, or for 4-H participants, the sights of success, there's plenty to do...and even more to eat...at the St. Joseph County fair.

Louise Smith says she's "90 years young" and comes to the fair to cheer on her three great-granddaughters participating in 4-H competitions.

"It's my family and they're so talented and so beautiful!" Smith says.

So we ask, what is better than fair at the fair?

"To me, seeing my kids projects is better than fair at the fair," says Tracy Perry. "To them, riding the rides is better than fair. And of course, the dairy barn ice cream is better than fair!"

To Amanda Carbiener, a life lesson is better than fair.

"I've learned how to be more social and talk to people and just learn responsibilities," Amanda Carbiener says as she shows off her cows.

Gas prices are affecting the fair in some ways, good and bad. The rides aren't running as often to conserve energy. But, fair officials say more people are attending instead of traveling.

"People are not traveling as far and they're coming to enjoy things more in their communities," Dennis Fisher says. "Attendance has been good. We're happy. And traveling has been tough right now."

You have until Saturday night to get your fix of the Ferris Wheel or elephant ears.

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Posted by: What is Fair? Location: Elkhart on Aug 1, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Ahhhhhhh..just as I thought....people will complain about anything and everything! You didn't get an elephant ear because you are cheap! I don't go to the fair to eat bologna sandwiches out of a cooler. Have fun with that.

Posted by: What is fair? Location: Elkhart on Jul 31, 2008 at 05:22 PM
So what IS a fair price for an elephant ear? If you aren't willing to pay $5, what would you pay? Just wondering.....

Posted by: Terri Location: Indiana on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:45 PM
We went on Dollar Day Wed. and found it to be very enjoyable. We have 6 children ages from 13yrs to 19 months and all were able to ride enough rides to make them happy(Cost about $50. Less than two admissions to Cedar Point or the like) and we all had a good HUGE lunch at Lakeville Lions, where our money supports a good cause. We enjoyed looking at the projects and animals. It was a day well spent in my eyes!

Posted by: O on Jul 31, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Bring your own food. Thats what my family does...we freeze our waters with the flavor packets to keep the other items cold....and go for it, Now to me the cost of the rides is a bit much, and to GET in..can be a tank of gas. Try going anywhere else, and you will be out of a lot more....OR dont ride..just go to get out of the house....

Posted by: Linda Location: Granger on Jul 31, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Elephant ears at $5.00 !! I love those but there's not a snowballs chance in he-- that I'd buy one at that price. I'm surprised they sell any at all. That's 5 dollars that can go in the gas tank of my car.

Posted by: Elephant Ears on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:32 AM
5.00 for an elephant ear...well it's the fair and they have overhead. Don't you know the little trailer they cook in costs money to maintain? They have to pay to set up shop at the fair, the cost of dough, sugar, and grease all adds up. They also have insurance and they need to pay themselves a decent wage. I bet they love the cash flow! It's a cash cow business and you can keep lots of money off the books!

Posted by: BigRedEvil Location: Death Valley on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Hmmm, maybe I can spend my unemployment check at the fair instead of Steak & Ale since they are closing. But when the fair leaves... then what?

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:10 AM
i recently went to the fair and saw the 4h activities. my favorite part was the cake decorating competition. i really enjoy waching that stuff and one day those kids could be the next gordon ramsey! (hells kitchen)

Posted by: here in Location: south bend on Jul 30, 2008 at 11:23 PM
the st joe fair is a sick joke.... has any one stopped and thought about how they are charging $4 for a 32oz soda, or 6.50 for a burger & fries, $5 for an elephant ear.... come on..... I was sickend by the prices.... $5.oo for an elephant ear

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