Per the SMC Fair -
I really don't care for it. My family is heavily invested in doing things there, and raising money - but I hate how it clogs the roads, the absurd parking and the fact it costs ten dollars - every day for (virtually) every person - just to walk in the door and do nothing. I had to wait about twenty minutes in line on Rte 5 - and I actually worked that afternoon, there.
Maybe it's partly because the fairgrounds themselves - not counting parking - is really small. I've seen fairgrounds elsewhere - not here - which are pretty huge. This one suffers due to its size relative to the participation - it's crowded as hell. After working yesterday, I thought I'd grab a bite to eat - and saw lines everywhere more than a dozen people deep, and not moving fast. I realized I could get food just about anywhere and be HOME faster than standing in that line - which after hours on my feet - I sure as hell didn't want to do.
I do BENEFIT from the fair - the kids get a day off of school and spend the day there. But just for them to get IN and do rides and food empties my wallet. I'm looking forward to the day when the fair ISN'T a thing for their age.