Tickets for the New York State Fair went on sale, sort of, on Aug. 1. A tricky new policy has been implemented, unfortunately without public input, that makes buying tickets with cash impossible.
It used to be easy to be a Fair customer. You could buy advance tickets at supermarkets and banks. You could pay cash at the gates and in the parking lots. No more. Advance purchasing is limited to internet sales over Etix, which will, of course, tack on a service charge.
There will be kiosks at gates one and 10 (why not others?), QR code readers, and EZ Pass scanners. But no cash. Don’t have internet? No credit card? Making an impromptu visit to the Fair with no ticket, but a pocketful of greenbacks? Be forewarned. The Fair won’t take cash.
Likewise, parking in Fair lots will require a pre-purchased ticket or credit card, except for those using the EZ Pass lane.
Modernizing by taking advantage of technology is necessary and beneficial for 21st century efficiency. Anything that helps keep pedestrian traffic flowing through those gates on busy days is great. And with full admission price lowered to three dollars, they have to save somewhere, so may as well reduce costs by cutting out Wegmans and Tops. No problem.
But more flexibility would be a more customer-friendly approach. Really, what’s wrong with handing an attendant a five dollar bill as you drive in? It’s been working for decades. It can still work. At the gates, what could it hurt peddle a few tickets in exchange for real money? Low tech, but highly effective.
Flexibility is good for business and very good for loyal customers. If you agree, there’s plenty of time to call in your complaint about this troubling new policy to Director Troy Waffner at 315 728-4516 or email troy.waffner@agriculture.ny.gov. Be polite as it’s most likely not Troy’s plan. So maybe make a call to the Governor or your State reps.
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