FAIR: Speak out against cost increase

Quoted from the Coeur d'Alene Press Aug. 9, 2010: "Food is a luxury. Rent and electric bill come first."

Also from the Coeur d'Alene Press Aug. 9: "The unemployment rates won't be released until Aug. 20, 2010. In June the unemployment rate in Kootenai County was 9.6, higher than the state and national rates."

Do we take our family to the fair or do we eat? The fair board has answered questions for a lot of people. Two fair board members voted against it. Thank you!

How many are aware that you will have to pay an additional $5 per person to sit in the covered grandstand to watch the motocross, rodeo, demolition derby and any other events that they want to charge for? However, you can sit in the uncovered bleachers for free. They are allowing 20 inches per person. Whose bum is 20 inches? The fair said they can seat 2,000 people at 20 inches per person. Is there a weight limit on these bleachers? What if they collapse?

In addition to this extra charge there will be another location on the fair grounds to buy beer. I understand additional training is taking place for this. You will have to wear a wrist band showing you are drinking beer. Who wants to see a drunk walking around the fair? The family atmosphere of the fair is slowly being taken away. This is a one-year trial period to see if it works. Maybe the fair can ask the bail bondsmen to share the bail they collect from the drunks and DUIs. Two fair board members voted against this; thank you.

The above items were voted in July 6, 2010. Why a month to start publicizing? The minutes from the meeting and a list of the fair board members are public record. Just go down to the fair office and get a copy. Make your call. If we don't voice our opinions now...

Remember when the fair was a one-price admission? Remember when you could launch your boat for free? What's next? Slowly we are losing our rights. If you speak up now, you can complain later. If you are silent now, don't complain later.

What happened to keeping things simple? It is easy to spend other people's money. Bigger isn't always better.

AGNES WEBB

Coeur d'Alene