Consumer

State Fair Asks Vendors To Be 'Fair' About Prices

(WCCO) While Minnesota families are paying more for just about everything, the Minnesota State Fair is asking all food and non-food vendors not to increase their prices this year.

"We know how the economy is and we know that the costs of doing business are rising," said Brienna Schuette of the Minnesota State Fair.

In a letter to vendors the fair suggests boosting profits by offering "family pricing" for multiple items, and even offering smaller portions.

"Some of us might appreciate because we do so much eating at the fair," said Shuette.

George Wozniak has co-owned the French Fry stands at the fair for 36 years. In the past two years he has raised his prices 50 cents. The smallest container of fries last year was $3.50. He says in those two years his cooking oil prices have doubled.

"I actually like the tone of the Minnesota State Fair letter on 'the sky is not the limit,'" said Wozniak.

Wozniak, whose two stands sell $800,000 worth of fries during the fair, isn't sure if he will increase prices again. Also unsure about a price hike is the number one seller at the fair -- Sweet Martha's Cookies.

The recommendation from the fair to vendors is optional. The fair points out that they are leading by example by not increasing admissions costs this year. And the price of the tickets at the Midway and Kidway will stay the same.

 

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