Boyfriend and I made the long drive to a county fair yesterday and it was great fun. Even though we got discounted admission tickets, bought our own water, and did no shopping, we still spent almost $80 between the two of us (we ate so much).
Admissions / parking: $17 (discounted tickets)
Food / drinks: $45
Rides: $17
Fairs are so expensive – it’s strange because basically, you’re paying money to get into a place where you’ll need to pay more money to enjoy the attractions. I guess I just got used to the amusement park model where one price gets you access to all the rides.
At the fair, I rode a mechanical bull for the first time. It always looked so fun when people did it on TV. I knew it would be difficult, but it was a lot harder than I anticipated… my balance was okay, but I would need much stronger leg and core muscles to stay on longer. After several seconds (during which the attendant went pretty easy on me), she turned on the controls. I got thrown off, of course. 
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Every year we say lets go to the fair, and then never do! Probably cause I know it will not be a cheap outing. What did you try, any unusual fried foods? I don’t know that we’ll make it this year either, the next few weekends are booked up. This coming weekend is Greek fest at St Sophia, if you like greek food. I plan to stuff myself with baklava and spanokopita.
At least you can now check that off your list. I have always been too chicken to attempt it. I don’t think I have been to a fair since I was in high school which was about 10 years ago.