Comments on: A Frugal Guide to the Iowa State Fair (or Any Similar County or State Fair) http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:42:01 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Lenetta @ Nettacow http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-760135 Lenetta @ Nettacow Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:10:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-760135 We're looking forward to the Nebraska State Fair in 2010 since it will be closer to us! Linked to this in my <a href="http://nettacow.blogspot.com/2009/08/link-roundup-meatloaf-on-grill-edition.html" rel="nofollow">weekly roundup post</a>. Thanks! We’re looking forward to the Nebraska State Fair in 2010 since it will be closer to us! Linked to this in my weekly roundup post. Thanks!

]]> By: Lise http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-353359 Lise Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:19:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-353359 I just wanted to add that some of my fondest childhood memories were of going to the fair. I was excited by the prospect of it all summer. Was it the rides and the rigged games that I loved? Nope. It was going through the 4H and FFA barns again. and again. and again. (I'm an animal lover). To this day my aunt jokes about how many times I dragged her through the cow barns as a child. I just wanted to add that some of my fondest childhood memories were of going to the fair. I was excited by the prospect of it all summer.

Was it the rides and the rigged games that I loved?

Nope. It was going through the 4H and FFA barns again. and again. and again. (I’m an animal lover).

To this day my aunt jokes about how many times I dragged her through the cow barns as a child.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-352833 Sarah Wed, 13 Aug 2008 03:43:27 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-352833 Oh-I was about to post that you should totally get the fried pineapple!!! Roasted is probably better, but if like pineapple at all, it is usually really good. Oh-I was about to post that you should totally get the fried pineapple!!! Roasted is probably better, but if like pineapple at all, it is usually really good.

]]> By: Blake@youngdough http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351767 Blake@youngdough Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:57:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351767 Hey, hey! I know the Iowa State Fair, as I live only 45 minutes south of Des Moines. Where are you located Trent? Hey, hey! I know the Iowa State Fair, as I live only 45 minutes south of Des Moines. Where are you located Trent?

]]> By: Carrie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351763 Carrie Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:35:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351763 Good move skipping the pineapple on a stick, my husband and I spilt one and it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. We went early on Sunday (I had free tickets through work) and were able to park on the street a couple blocks from the main gate for free. Good move skipping the pineapple on a stick, my husband and I spilt one and it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. We went early on Sunday (I had free tickets through work) and were able to park on the street a couple blocks from the main gate for free.

]]> By: Dawn http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351742 Dawn Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:11:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351742 The New York State Fair actually sent out a flier that had 10 ways to cut down the cost of the fair. Most have already been mentioned (like buying advanced tickets and advanced ride tickets, or going on specific discount days). They also suggested bringing your own food and drinks, and had a list of places that had discounted or free food (like the Milk tent selling milk cartons for 25 cents or the Potato booth selling loaded baked potatoes for $1 or the cooking demos giving away free tastes). I've found that's true at other fairs as well--sometimes they have booths that are not near the typical food booths that sell foods at a discount or have free samples that can give you a snack or supplement a meal. The New York State Fair actually sent out a flier that had 10 ways to cut down the cost of the fair. Most have already been mentioned (like buying advanced tickets and advanced ride tickets, or going on specific discount days). They also suggested bringing your own food and drinks, and had a list of places that had discounted or free food (like the Milk tent selling milk cartons for 25 cents or the Potato booth selling loaded baked potatoes for $1 or the cooking demos giving away free tastes).

I’ve found that’s true at other fairs as well–sometimes they have booths that are not near the typical food booths that sell foods at a discount or have free samples that can give you a snack or supplement a meal.

]]> By: Karen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351726 Karen Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:12:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351726 I loved this post Trent. I was planning on going to the Texas State Fair after missing it for several years. Will plan ahead. I am lucky since my sister usually gets free tickets and parking. YEA! I loved this post Trent. I was planning on going to the Texas State Fair after missing it for several years. Will plan ahead. I am lucky since my sister usually gets free tickets and parking. YEA!

]]> By: NED http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351604 NED Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:53:13 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351604 To sum the whole post up: Be prepared and plan ahead. To sum the whole post up: Be prepared and plan ahead.

]]> By: Anni http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351600 Anni Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:46:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351600 We have a small local fair here each June. Parking is free because we walk and there is no entrance fee. In celebration of the county's dairy heritage there is milk, yogurt and cheese to be sampled. We have always spent a minimal amount at the fair but the children, now teens, still enjoy spending a few hours there every year. We have a small local fair here each June. Parking is free because we walk and there is no entrance fee. In celebration of the county’s dairy heritage there is milk, yogurt and cheese to be sampled. We have always spent a minimal amount at the fair but the children, now teens, still enjoy spending a few hours there every year.

]]> By: Lynne http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351201 Lynne Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:30:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351201 I just took 2 of my grandkids to our Sonoma County Fair. We parked in a friends driveway 2 blocks from the back entrance (free)! One grandchild was free, the 2nd $2.00. I had to spend $5.00 to get in, but saved $2 using a newspaper coupon. It was dollar ride day (a huge savings)and we bought $12 worth of ride tickets. Even though my grandson would have liked to ride some "scarier" rides, he compromised so he & my granddaughter could go together, (she also bravely went on a ride that was very scary). We went through the exhibet buildings, free, we got an icecream cone, free, from the Clo's booth. They are there each year representing Clover dairy products which are locally produced. We did finally break down and buy a large lemonade which we shared. We chose the large since refills were half price. We finished off our first lemonade then bought the refill. Plenty for the 3 of us. My grandson chose to toss a couple of quarters trying to win a prize. After being discouraged from wasting more, he chose to try one other game, where you toss balls and compete against other fair goers. He won a huge penguin & had spent only 50 cents. After that we watched a free puppet show, diving dogs, a well-know band performing on one of the stages. They took one more ride, then we left, since both children had soccer practice. We had to skip the free hay ride, Mexican Village, Jazz performances (all free) and of course the many livestock on display. But all in all we felt that we definitely got our moneys worth, since we represented 3 different families. Yes, you can go to a fair and not spend a lot. BTW, our fair also has picnic facilities, so if you chose, you could carry in your own lunch. This was representative of what we have done for many years, except that before it was our kids, & my husband (now deceased) & now it is grandkids! I just took 2 of my grandkids to our Sonoma County Fair. We parked in a friends driveway 2 blocks from the back entrance (free)! One grandchild was free, the 2nd $2.00. I had to spend $5.00 to get in, but saved $2 using a newspaper coupon. It was dollar ride day (a huge savings)and we bought $12 worth of ride tickets. Even though my grandson would have liked to ride some “scarier” rides, he compromised so he & my granddaughter could go together, (she also bravely went on a ride that was very scary). We went through the exhibet buildings, free, we got an icecream cone, free, from the Clo’s booth. They are there each year representing Clover dairy products which are locally produced. We did finally break down and buy a large lemonade which we shared. We chose the large since refills were half price. We finished off our first lemonade then bought the refill. Plenty for the 3 of us. My grandson chose to toss a couple of quarters trying to win a prize. After being discouraged from wasting more, he chose to try one other game, where you toss balls and compete against other fair goers. He won a huge penguin & had spent only 50 cents. After that we watched a free puppet show, diving dogs, a well-know band performing on one of the stages. They took one more ride, then we left, since both children had soccer practice. We had to skip the free hay ride, Mexican Village, Jazz performances (all free) and of course the many livestock on display. But all in all we felt that we definitely got our moneys worth, since we represented 3 different families. Yes, you can go to a fair and not spend a lot. BTW, our fair also has picnic facilities, so if you chose, you could carry in your own lunch. This was representative of what we have done for many years, except that before it was our kids, & my husband (now deceased) & now it is grandkids!

]]> By: Dan Bruns http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351131 Dan Bruns Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:31:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351131 What free shuttle did you use? I went to the IA state fair this weekend and the shuttle was not free it was like $2 or so and we also purchased tickets ahead of time for $7 for adult tickets. Did you get yours for $5 somewhere? Or did you just toss numbers out there as an example. What free shuttle did you use? I went to the IA state fair this weekend and the shuttle was not free it was like $2 or so and we also purchased tickets ahead of time for $7 for adult tickets.
Did you get yours for $5 somewhere? Or did you just toss numbers out there as an example.

]]> By: Sandy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351100 Sandy Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:40:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351100 Did you really have to pay ANYTHING to get your tots into the fair? Our fair, under 3 gets in free. We did all the cheap things to get into the fair while our kids were that age, too. It does get harder as they get older, and their stomachs get bigger,and rides become imprtant. This year, I worked the Democratic table, and got in free. They cost $5 each to get in, and I gave them each $20 to spend as they wished. They bought the all afternoon ride pass for $11 each, plus a few snacks. They had to touch base with me every hour, and after they ran out of money (the money I gave them, plus whatever they brough of their own money)it was time for the freebie stuff. We all went to look at momma pig and her brand new litter...amazingly cute! I think my younger daughter tried one of those games (with her own money!) and after 3 losing tries, she said...that's enough...I'm not throwing away any more money on that. Good leasson for a 10 year old...her 15 year old sister learned that lesson earlier, too! Did you really have to pay ANYTHING to get your tots into the fair? Our fair, under 3 gets in free.
We did all the cheap things to get into the fair while our kids were that age, too. It does get harder as they get older, and their stomachs get bigger,and rides become imprtant. This year, I worked the Democratic table, and got in free. They cost $5 each to get in, and I gave them each $20 to spend as they wished. They bought the all afternoon ride pass for $11 each, plus a few snacks. They had to touch base with me every hour, and after they ran out of money (the money I gave them, plus whatever they brough of their own money)it was time for the freebie stuff. We all went to look at momma pig and her brand new litter…amazingly cute!
I think my younger daughter tried one of those games (with her own money!) and after 3 losing tries, she said…that’s enough…I’m not throwing away any more money on that. Good leasson for a 10 year old…her 15 year old sister learned that lesson earlier, too!

]]> By: AC http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351092 AC Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:32:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351092 Great ideas. Here's one more ( we had 6 kid!-ya crazy I know) anyway - we made the fair a mini vacation each year. We paid for parking so that half way through the day we went back to to car pulled out the lawn chairs and blankets ate, had a rest and then headed back in to stay until the fireworks were over. The break was well worth it, everyone had a chance to relax and unwind. Great ideas. Here’s one more ( we had 6 kid!-ya crazy I know) anyway – we made the fair a mini vacation each year. We paid for parking so that half way through the day we went back to to car pulled out the lawn chairs and blankets ate, had a rest and then headed back in to stay until the fireworks were over. The break was well worth it, everyone had a chance to relax and unwind.

]]> By: clint lawton http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351028 clint lawton Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:43:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351028 Trent, I am afraid that I have ruined it for my kids. I teach them that the fair is not fair. that the rides are over priced and that the "games" are games of chance just like gambling. We don't gamble and we don't play the games at the fair. I go even further and watch people play these games and show my children how the person runing the booth is counting on them making the bad choice to play and then how the game is riged for them to lose. I site the basket ball game...shoot the ball through the hoop and win a prize...right...not so easy they use large balls and small hoops...not only small hoops but if you look at them from the side they are not round hoops they are cruched on the sides to make it even harded to hit it. then they are at a slant. I played basket ball my whole life was a all star in high school and went on to be preaty good in college. I spent $100 trying this game one day and did not make one shot. I guess I am just a spoil sport but at least my kids won't get riped off. Clint Lawton www.a-debt-free-life.com Trent,

I am afraid that I have ruined it for my kids. I teach them that the fair is not fair. that the rides are over priced and that the “games” are games of chance just like gambling. We don’t gamble and we don’t play the games at the fair. I go even further and watch people play these games and show my children how the person runing the booth is counting on them making the bad choice to play and then how the game is riged for them to lose. I site the basket ball game…shoot the ball through the hoop and win a prize…right…not so easy they use large balls and small hoops…not only small hoops but if you look at them from the side they are not round hoops they are cruched on the sides to make it even harded to hit it. then they are at a slant. I played basket ball my whole life was a all star in high school and went on to be preaty good in college. I spent $100 trying this game one day and did not make one shot.

I guess I am just a spoil sport but at least my kids won’t get riped off.

Clint Lawton
http://www.a-debt-free-life.com

]]> By: Kristen a.k.a. The Frugal Girl http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351026 Kristen a.k.a. The Frugal Girl Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:42:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351026 I hear you on the naps! That is always a problem for us when we're on vacation. Happily, our youngest(and last), is 2.5, so we'll be done with that problem soon. Knowing we have to deal with the naps, we've skipped out on doing stuff like amusement parks and such. We figure we'll do more of that stuff later when we can get more enjoyment for our money. I hear you on the naps! That is always a problem for us when we’re on vacation. Happily, our youngest(and last), is 2.5, so we’ll be done with that problem soon. Knowing we have to deal with the naps, we’ve skipped out on doing stuff like amusement parks and such. We figure we’ll do more of that stuff later when we can get more enjoyment for our money.

]]> By: dougis http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351016 dougis Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:19:31 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351016 Thanks for a great writeup Trent (that is what I was asking for in my tweet). Headed to the WA state fair with my wife and girls pretty soon and one thing we are going to add to the list is buy wristbands for the carnival in advance (NOTE, this only makes sense IF YOU ARE GOING RIDE RIDES). Both girls (as well as my wife and I) LOVE roller coasters and last year they couldn't ride some of them without a parent. The cost of tickets for us to ride with them would have made the rides $6 a head (doesn't take long for a $20 wrist band to pay for itself that way). The girls were OK with not getting to go (and understood why another great chance to show them about the value of a $$), but have been double checking for months that we are getting wrist bands so we can ride with them this year :-). Thanks for a great writeup Trent (that is what I was asking for in my tweet).
Headed to the WA state fair with my wife and girls pretty soon and one thing we are going to add to the list is buy wristbands for the carnival in advance (NOTE, this only makes sense IF YOU ARE GOING RIDE RIDES).
Both girls (as well as my wife and I) LOVE roller coasters and last year they couldn’t ride some of them without a parent.
The cost of tickets for us to ride with them would have made the rides $6 a head (doesn’t take long for a $20 wrist band to pay for itself that way).
The girls were OK with not getting to go (and understood why another great chance to show them about the value of a $$), but have been double checking for months that we are getting wrist bands so we can ride with them this year :-).

]]> By: AJ http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351010 AJ Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:03:31 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351010 At America's Fair, (formerly and fondly known as the Erie County Fair) you can bring in a picnic lunch and/or dinner. Picnic tables go fast - you leave your basket to reserve your spot - but a blanket on the grass works just as well. This way you can save even more $$ for that extra special Fair treat! At America’s Fair, (formerly and fondly known as the Erie County Fair) you can bring in a picnic lunch and/or dinner. Picnic tables go fast – you leave your basket to reserve your spot – but a blanket on the grass works just as well.

This way you can save even more $$ for that extra special Fair treat!

]]> By: gbtwinsmommy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-351001 gbtwinsmommy Sun, 10 Aug 2008 18:49:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-351001 Great tips. Thanks. I know that we spent a lot of money at the Texas State Fair last year. The price of the rides is ridiculously high. Plenty of time to plan ahead this year though as the fair does not start until the end of September. Maybe a group of us from work will all go together and get the group rate. Great tips. Thanks. I know that we spent a lot of money at the Texas State Fair last year. The price of the rides is ridiculously high.

Plenty of time to plan ahead this year though as the fair does not start until the end of September.

Maybe a group of us from work will all go together and get the group rate.

]]> By: Dave http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-350902 Dave Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:14:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-350902 Glad to see your son is rocking some awesome shades. ;) Glad to see your son is rocking some awesome shades. ;)

]]> By: Molly http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/comment-page-1/#comment-350875 Molly Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:26:35 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/10/a-frugal-guide-to-the-iowa-state-fair-or-any-similar-county-or-state-fair/#comment-350875 This year I entered some photos in our county fair. For $20, you can enter up to 22 photos, along with a bunch of other things like fruits and veggies, flowers, paintings or drawings, collections, and handmade articles of clothing. They also give you 6 tickets, which are normally $6 each. I saved $16, and got to check off one of my 101 things in 1001 days (enter a photo contest). This year I entered some photos in our county fair. For $20, you can enter up to 22 photos, along with a bunch of other things like fruits and veggies, flowers, paintings or drawings, collections, and handmade articles of clothing. They also give you 6 tickets, which are normally $6 each. I saved $16, and got to check off one of my 101 things in 1001 days (enter a photo contest).

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