I went to the fair on Friday and was surprised at how empty it was, I know people were at work and school's in session but still, I've gone to the fair on a Friday in previous years and it is crowded. I patronize certain vendors and inquired how things were shaping in this economy? Bad.
Even when attendance is good sales are bad, vendors have had to slash prices to move product. The fairgrounds is aware of the vendors plight and has decided to do the $1 admission promo this weekend - closing weekend - until 1 p.m. each day.
The fact the fairgrounds is repeating the $1 promotion closing weekend is a telltale sign of how bad this season's been. It used to be the fair would remain in town a full four weeks and open 7 days a week. The past four years has seen the fair in town for three weeks and closed on Mondays. This year they've returned for four weeks and are closed Monday and Tuesday.
So even with two days closure attendance is still low and sales bleak. The vendors I spoke with do not believe the recession is improving, they feel it's continuing a downward spiral and my shopping experience confirms this. The stores have folks in them but they're not buying - they're not carrying shopping bags. My co-workers are shopping less and sticking to their grocery list, what's not on the list remains at the store.
What's your experience?
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