FAIR: Drinking, fee dissuade this family

The need to confine drink to the Beer Garden insured to a very large degree that those who have no self control and drink to excess would remain in the Garden. Now that beer drinking will not be confined, as well as being available at multiple locations, assures us that those who didn't drink or controlled their drinking due to the inconvenience of the Garden now may become drunk in public, in the bleachers, and on the rides bringing big bucks to the fair grounds and public embarrassment and humiliation to their families as well as setting a bad example for the many children who attend the fair. After their long and wonderful "family" day - they'll drive home.

As for charging to sit in the shade, those of us who need shade for our young children, our elderly, our health issues, or those of us who simply want to sit in the shade and are willing to come at least an hour early to the event are being discriminated against. Not only will I not pay $5 a head for my eight children and I to sit in the shade, I will not be buying nine unlimited ride tickets or entrance tickets to the fair as we will not be attending. I refuse to expose my children to the harmful influence that will now be present at the once family-friendly event.

PAMELA METZGER

Post Falls