Arizona State Fair Attendees Face Wallet Pinch as Prices Soar This Year

PHOENIX — Arizona residents are increasingly aware of the rising costs associated with everyday activities, as inflation impacts prices at grocery stores, in the housing market, and notably, at this year’s Arizona State Fair.

Many attendees have expressed their surprise on social media regarding the elevated prices for food, games, and rides, leading to a broader discussion about spending habits in the current economic climate.

Nate Janousek, owner of Bacon-A-Fair, travels across the country to run his food stand. He witnessed firsthand how inflation is affecting small vendors like himself. “It’s certainly harder this year than in any year past,” Janousek remarked. Although he opted against raising his menu prices this year, the pain of increased costs for ingredients and gas is palpable.

“Every year our profits and our margins shrink because we feel an obligation to our customers,” he added, emphasizing the difficult balance between maintaining customer loyalty and staying financially viable.

Alicia Soto, who runs Alicia’s Mexican Kitchen, echoed these concerns, citing a noticeable decrease in customer spending. “We have seen a decrease in the number of sales and it’s not just at the Arizona State Fair,” Soto noted, explaining how growing travel costs have pressured her small business, leading to modest price adjustments on some menu items. “It doesn’t really make up for everything,” she acknowledged.

The admission cost for the fair remains at $15 for visitors older than seven years. Brianda Martinez, the marketing director for Arizona Exposition and State Fair, reassured attendees that there are budget-friendly options available. “We want the fair to be accessible for everyone,” she stated, encouraging fair-goers to explore various promotions on the fair’s website.

Even with rising prices, vendors urge customers to remember the unique experience the fair offers each year. “They wait all year for us to get out here and we take that pretty seriously,” Janousek emphasized, highlighting the emotional connection many have with the annual event.