It’s that time again for our yearly Clark County Fair trip!
We always hit up the first day (Friday, August 4th) since it’s free with the coupon from Fred Meyers. But, it ended up being a scorcher this year, so we were only able to last until about 10am-2pm.
There are some new changes and things we don’t exactly like about the Clark County fair, but what can we do about it other than not go? It’s still fun, but getting too expensive for families who can’t afford the luxury of a day at the fair with numerous kids.
Changes at the Clark County Fair that I’ve noticed:
- Ride bracelets have gone up to $35 from $30 last year. (will it be $40 next year? I sure hope not!)
- Ride bracelets now require stamps and a barcode. This is so the carnies can scan your bracelet to make sure it’s legit. (all this seemed to do was cause big, slow lines in 100-degree heat; RIDICULOUS!)
- Games require a card from a machine now. I assume this was put in place so the carnies have no way of coming into contact with money and stealing it. This is fine, but the bracelet scanning thing is annoying. At the end of the night when we went back to the fair around 7 pm, my daughter’s bracelet stopped working. They should not stop until the rides quit!!
Everything else seems to be about normal…
My daughter actually surprised me with the kiddie rides though. I assumed the bracelet would be a waste of money because she has been scared of the moving ride on toys at the mall; but since an adult was with her most of the time, she was good. She even went on the caterpillar roller coaster and swings too!
That’s another thing… parents have to pay to ride on the kiddie rides. If my kid is required to ride with an adult for her height, then parents should NOT have to pay. That’s just my stance on it.
Surprisingly, my daughter wouldn’t ride on the ponies even though she loved it last year. Maybe she’s realized it’s a real-life, moving creature. LOL
My niece rode on one since she wasn’t able to last year because she was too little. As you can see, she loved it!
I imagine it will still be our yearly tradition since I’ve gone every year since I was a kid. I just hope the prices don’t keep on increasing… because eventually people are not going to be able to afford it and will stop going altogether.
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That looks like so much fun! We go to the county and state fairs every year. The kids love the rides, and my husband and I love stuffing our faces with all that fair food!
I love fairs! I miss going to that one! We used to go every year before we moved to Idaho. Too bad the bracelets cost so much now! Whoa!
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I would love to check out the Clark County Fair. My Son loves to go to the local fair when it is in town. It is nice you can go on the first day for free with the coupon.
I agree … if parents are required to ride with their kid(s), then they shouldn’t have to pay. The rides at all fairs/carnivals always seem so terribly overpriced anyway.
It can be expensive going to the fair but we have found ways to save money. Our state and county fairs usually have discount days with offers for free parking and free admission and discounted rides. We schedule our visits during those times.
I can’t believe it’s already time for the fair!! It seems like life is moving at warp speeds these days!!
I love going to fairs. The local activities they offer can be really fun and the food is amazing.
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The fair is always fun. I know what you are saying. I always felt like that when my daughters were small. Seriously you want me to pay and also pay for her? What a rip off! Especially if they can’t ride the ride without you. But they all do it.
You guys look like you had and amazing time there! I just love county fairs because there’s plenty to see and do with the kids. The food’s always so good as well.
It looks like such an amazing place to visit! I love county fairs as there is always so much to do and see and who doesn’t LOVE fair food? It looks like you had an amazing time.
I totally agree. It’s difficult to take more than just one child when the prices keep going up. Especially when adults have to pay to ride with their children! It sounds like you had a good time anyway though, and that’s what really matters!
Going to the fair is always fun! Ours will be in September yet. Can’t wait to have fun at the fair again and have some funnel cake!
Looks like a ton of fun, love fairs haven’t been in ages!
Is Clark county in Virginia?
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The photo in this post says Ridgefield, WA 😉
There are many different Clark counties.
Fairs are always so much fun for kids, so much for them to see and do. I use to live in WA, but never had the chance to visit this one!
I LOVE the opening shot of the food stand. That pictures has so many vibrant colors in it. And, your daughter and niece are too cute. Good to see you all had a good time.
Sorry about the long lines and scanning bracelet though.
I love state fairs! The food is my favorite part! I plan on making the state fair a tradition too!
This is absolutely beautiful! I love going out on an adventure with my family. This looks oh so amazing.