There has been quite a lot written concerning opinions of the Downtown Street Fair this year. Was it too big? Did it offer the right balance of vendors? Should they change the layout? Well, in my opinion it was just fine. If it were a little bigger, a little smaller, or changed the balance of vendor types, I wouldn't really mind either way. It was simply a great way to spend a few wonderful hours with my kids. Not only that but I accidentally got a little exercise while doing so.
The part I take issue with is the rickety, rundown, rusty carnival that was set up for all to see. The carnival was in a prominent location right on the corner of Broadway and Main. Did any of the decision makers of the Street Fair or downtown Fargo group ever bother to check out this carnival before offering it up in such a prominent location?
The carousel music was actually the sound of metal scraping on metal, the rides were bumpy and loud, and it just plain looked dirty. After one ride even my 4-year-old (who loves rides) dejectedly said, "Let's go." To top it off the rides were $2 and $3 per ride.
When we have companies in our area like Games To Go, why bring in shoddy gimmicks like that carnival? I highly doubt that it was the sort of city personality that Fargo wants to project. I know it's certainly not what I want visitors to see and remember from their trip to our great city.
I have lived in Fargo for 41 of my 43 years and plan to remain for many more. So what I am asking of our event planners is that in the future, please do your research before making final decisions concerning what is offered. And try to offer as much as possible from our local area businesses.
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Dan Jacobson
Fargo
