Flagstaff High School

The Annual Coconino County Fair takes over Labor Day Weekend: Recap

Erika Begay

          The Coconino County Fair returned to Flagstaff, Arizona for Labor Day weekend on August 29-September 1. It has always taken place on Labor Day weekend, since its establishment in 1949 at Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds. Parking needed to be paid for either in advance with a pass bought online, or at the fair entrance. The parking was five dollars per vehicle per day, and the parking pass was only valid for single entrance and exit, meaning parking for re-entry needed to be paid for again. This year, the fair didn’t offer cash payments for parking, only credit card payments. They had a varying admission fee by age, and they offered a one-day wristband to experience the rides for forty-five dollars. Although some rides did require a wristband and a few credits, these were sold separately. The fair also sold fast passes to skip the long lines for forty dollars! The experience of endless rides and being prioritized in those lines came out to an average of eighty-five dollars! The fair allowed no refunds for all purchases made. 

The fair had amazing rides for all ages! There were some fun and freaky rides for kids and adults, and also some fun rides for younger children. Overall, there were a variety of different and cool rides to suit most ages! Most rides had a height limit that indicated and assured it is safe for you to ride. Although some rides had very long lines, the rides were just half of the fun. The fair also had really fun games and activities to test your luck at a chance to win cool prizes like inflatable and stuffed toys. The fair felt safe and was definitely an excellent experience for families to have fun.

The fair also had food stands for any craving; the food stands served delicious hot food and most stands offered a variety of beverages. The stands also sold a ton of sweet treats like: cotton candy, popcorn, and ice cream. Conveniently, the fair also had a designated shaded area with picnic tables to sit and eat at. Some food stands had long lines and the tables were usually crowded when the fair was busiest. Overall, the fair was an amazing experience for friends and families!