Iowa State Fair 2026 Frustrations
I’m an Iowa native and have been going to the Iowa State fair for the last 10 years (been living in Iowa over 30 years).
Is it just me or has the everything about the fair become about money and the quality is no longer there? I usually look forward to the fair but last night I was a bit disappointed.
- Amusement rides are expensive and it’s all a money grab.
- I have two young daughters, 5 & 3 (almost 4 yrs old). We were going to ride the carousel last night and since my 3 year old is a bit short, I would have to accompany and ride with her. At first, I thought the attendant was joking when he said that I would have to pay to ride with her. He confirmed that it wasn’t a joke. I just can’t believe that as a parent (who doesn’t even want to get on the carousel), would have to pay $6 just so I can accompany my 3-year-old. This isn’t even a thing for the carnival that comes down every year to Urbandale. Out of principal, we didn’t ride the carousel and rode other rides where I wouldn’t have to accompany my daughter.
- Barksdale cookies bucket seems smaller than last year, cost the same and are of poorer quality.
- I like these cookies and am still willing to pay for these overpriced cookies. This year the bucket appeared smaller and less “full” then last year. In addition, the cookies were crumbly this year vs moist and soft like they normally are. Am I crazy or has the quality gone down?
- Lemonade is a hit or miss. Some lemonade stands taste like powdered lemonade vs “fresh squeezed” like they claim.
Before anyone comments that if I don’t want to spend money then I should stay home. I get that in general that everything at the fair will be more expensive then normal (Food, drinks, rides, etc) but my issue is the reduced quality and charging for little things (ex- parents have to pay to ride the carousel with their young children) not necessarily the higher then market prices. At this rate, eventually we will have to pay to see the animals and to use the restrooms.
I’m seriously debating taking a break from the fair next year. Anybody else have a similar experience?