The Price of Rides at the County Fair

While we appreciate hearing good comments and receiving constructive criticism on how to improve the Orange County Fair each year, we also feel it necessary to respond, when appropriate, to our patrons who raise questions that need further comment.

While we may agree that the full cost of the carnival rides is considered on the high end, we also feel the price is reasonable, considering the value of the equipment, cost of operations, liability insurance, fuel, preventive maintenance, ride safety inspection fees and general administrative and overhead costs.

A letter (E. Smith, July 24) critical of ride ticket prices mentioned the $1 savings on sheet tickets purchased, which is one form of savings. However, since it did not mention any others, perhaps Smith was not aware of the numerous other savings promotions offered by the fair and midway operators.

For instance, both Fridays of the fair are Kids Days, and all children 12 and under get in free to the fair; all patrons are able to ride all rides for 75 cents each from opening (10 a.m.) to 6 p.m. both days. This year, we sold 34,780 and 56,749 (75-cent) ride tickets respectively on the opening and second Fridays. This, of course, we consider a tremendous success and an outstanding discount offer.

Also, on opening Thursday, and on Tuesday through Thursday of the regular week, we sold 14,458 One-Price wristbands (for $7 each). Another substantial saving.

What’s more important is that on five days out of the 11 days, fair-goers are able to obtain these discounts for midway rides throughout the weekdays of the fair.

Although we do not compare our fair to Disneyland, because we offer a different product for a shorter period of time, I would venture to guess the average wait time for one of our spectacular rides is about 10 to 12 minutes. I have personally waited, with my family, as long as 45 minutes for a ride at the Magic Kingdom and have never been able to ride every ride in the park during one visit.

While additional comparisons could be made, we are not out to compete with a year-round operation and feel we are offering a tremendous family package as the letter also indicates.

CHARLOTTE CLEARY

President,

Board of Directors

Orange County Fair