Columbia, S.C.: A Fair Time, But at a Higher Price
The excitement in Columbia, South Carolina is palpable as the annual state fair rolls into town, bringing with it an atmosphere filled with laughter, the smell of cotton candy, and the sounds of carnival rides. This year, however, fairgoers have been noticing that the cost of enjoying these delightful experiences has climbed to new heights. Despite the increase in costs, many attendees still believe the fair is worth every penny.
A Family Affair
For many families, the fair is a beloved autumn tradition. Local resident Kaywhon Douglas shared his thoughts while enjoying a day out with his kids. “It’s a fun experience to get the kids out the house especially during this time of year; it’s cool, it’s not too hot, I mean I love it.” He adds, with a hint of frustration, “But the prices to go on rides have gone up a little too much for my liking.”
Indeed, ticket pricing for rides is a hot topic among fairgoers. “The tickets are high; like you got rides that are 19 tickets and rides that are 18 tickets. You’re going to go through them fast; two rides, and you’ll be done with all those tickets,” Douglas remarked. And it seems he’s not the only one feeling the financial pinch. Maria Ausburn, who attended the fair with her students, shared a similar sentiment. “It can get very pricey very quickly because they usually come to me like, um, do you have an extra dollar or ten.”
Ride Prices and the New Reloadable Card
As people stroll through the fairgrounds, they often find that the average cost for a ride is around 12 tickets per person. But a new feature this year may ease some of the pain for budget-conscious families: a reloadable card system. Lynda Franc, the Marketing Director with North American Midway Entertainment, explained how it works. “This year we implemented the reloadable card system, which is really exciting because if you hold on to that card, you can use it year after year, and you can actually use it at any of our events across the US.”
This reloadable card system allows families to load a specific amount of money or tickets onto a card, eliminating the need to constantly purchase individual tickets for rides. This certainly sounds like a way to take some of the weight off the wallet, especially if you plan ahead!
Understanding Ticket Pricing
Every year, the topic of ticket pricing comes up, and many fairgoers have been left wondering how these costs are determined. According to Franc, “It’s largely set nationally. For our ticket prices, we focus more on the rides that we’re offering and determine it from there.” She explained that thrilling rides typically require a few extra tickets, while kiddy rides are priced around 9 tickets each.
This pricing structure means that families have to be strategic about their spending. Kaywhon Douglas shared his approach, saying, “You save up for it; you know it’s coming. You might as well. The fair is coming in October; I’m gonna save up for it.” Indeed, planning for a day at the fair can make the experience much more enjoyable without the nagging stress of overspending.
Conclusion
Despite the heftier price tag associated with this year’s state fair in Columbia, attendees continue to find joy in the festivities. Whether it’s the rides, the games, or the delicious treats, the fair remains a cherished tradition for many families. As the sights and sounds of the fairground continue to draw in crowds, it seems that, in the end, the memories created might just outweigh the costs.
