Think the Utah State Fair is too expensive? This year's event, Sept. 9-19, is offering a host of new discount opportunities that can make the fair much more affordable for those watching their budget.
At $7 per adult, $6 for seniors and $5 for children ages 6 to 16, a family of two adults and four kids could spend as much as $34 just to get in the gate.
But more deals are being offered for 2004 than ever before.
"These will make the state fair a much more affordable event for families," said Denise Stanger, fair spokeswoman.
She said the new executive director of the fair, Rick Frenette, has been pushing for ways to get families into the fair gates less expensively.
For example, opening day, Thursday, Sept. 9, will be $1 admission day for all ages. Gates open at 3 p.m. that day and the $1 price will be offered until closing at 10 p.m. (That family of six would only spend $6 that day.)
Monday is traditionally a big family day at the fair because of the annual ice cream festival, which is Sept. 13 this year. That day will feature free admission for children 12 and under. (This special could save that family of six at least $10.) Monday will also offer a two-riders-for-one price for the carnival rides. (This would save $8 per person on the ride pass.)
Monday, Sept. 13, through Thursday, Sept. 16, is a Salt Lake Stingers special. Stingers' tickets will have a coupon good for $3 off gate admission. (This could save $18 for the family of six.)
Also, from Monday, Sept. 13, through Thursday, Sept. 16, the "Happenings" entertainment coupon books' state fair coupon will be worth a two-for-one admission. (Possible savings $17 for a family of six.)
Tuesday, Sept. 14, will offer a two-for-one gate admission for those who bring a packaged, nonperishable treat for "Treats for the Troops Day" charity collection day at the fair. (That family of six could save up to $16 this day.)
Wednesday, Sept. 15, will be newspaper day at the fair. Clip a discount coupon from the Deseret Morning News and get $4 off the regular gate admission. (This could save a family of six up to $18.)
Sunday, Sept. 19, is "Pepsi Day," when a $2-per-person gate admission will be offered for up to four people with a sticker from specially marked Pepsi 12-packs. (This would save that family of six $14.)
On any day of the fair, Boy Scouts and leaders can receive $1 off admission by wearing their uniforms.
In addition, Smith's Food and Drug stores will offer $2 off advance purchase tickets through Sept. 19. The stores will also sell all-day carnival ride wristbands for $12 each ($4 off the regular price) through Sept. 8.
Another new event this year will be a 5K race for all ages and a one-mile fun run for kids 12 and under on Saturday Sept. 18, at 8:30 a.m. The races start and end on the northwest side of the fairgrounds. Registered runners get free state fair admission for Sept. 18.
There will also be a "Little Hands on the Farm" interactive event for children, a big expansion on the former "Ag-Venture" tent. This event will use eight buildings, instead of one.
Grandstand entertainment will include: Los Lonely Boys; Newsboys; Grand Funk Railroad; Joe Nichols; Crestmark Orchestra; Carolyn Dawn Johnson and the Bellamy Brothers; the Turtles, featuring Flo and Eddie and Herman's Hermits, starring Peter Noone; Pat Green; Weird Al Yankovic; and Jessica Andrews.
For more Utah State Fair information, go online to www.utah-state-fair.com.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com