Salem Fair - June 30,2011 through July 10, 2011

We are lucky enough to have the Salem Fair in our area. Not every town has a fair so close (trust me - I have lived in towns that don't and towns that do). The fair is a 2-week gig that comes into town right around the end of June/beginning of July every year. I finally made it down there to check it out last night. I will be honest, I have never been one who loved the rides at fairs and amusement parks - well, I like some of them, but I am not a roller coaster girl by any means. That being said (and that I have been working hard to save money instead of spend a lot), I did not buy the unlimited ride pass. However, if you are going to ride more than 3 or 4 rides, this is the best deal. Here is the information for wristbands:

THURSDAY, JUNE 30: FOX 21/27 CW 5 OPENING NIGHT $10 RIDE WRISTBAND
MUST PURCHASE BEFORE 6 PM

FRIDAY, JULY 1 and 8
WSET 13 - $24.00 RIDE WRISTBAND MUST PURCHASE BEFORE 6 PM .

SATURDAY, JULY 2 & 9
PEPSI DAYS
AFTERNOON WRISTBAND $17 GOOD ONLY 12 NOON-5 PM MUST PURCHASE BEFORE 4:00 ALL DAY WRISTBAND $29.00 GOOD 12 NOON-11 PM
MUST PURCHASE BEFORE 6 PM SHARP

SUNDAY, JULY 3 & 10
ALL DAY WRISTBANDS 12 NOON-11 PM
$19.00 IF PURCHASED

BEFORE 6 PM; $24.00 AFTER 6

MONDAY, JULY 4
FAMILY FOUR PACK-4 WRISTBANDS FOR $50 MUST PURCHASE BY 5 PM SHARP
AFTER 5 PM ALL WRISTBANDS ARE $20 EACH

TUESDAY, JULY 5
SALEM FOOD PANTRY/SPIRIT FM NIGHT
$19 WRISTBAND WITH TWO ITEMS ON NON-PERISHABLE FOOD/$24 WITHOUT FOOD DONATION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6
PEPSI NIGHT

$19 WRISTBAND WITH TWO PEPSI PROOF OF PURCHASE/$24 WITHOUT

THURSDAY, JULY 7
STELLAR ONE MERCHANTS NIGHT
$20.00 WRISTBAND NO COUPON REQUIRED

FRIDAY, JULY 8
SAME AS FRIDAY JULY 1

SATURDAY, JULY 9
SAME AS SATURDAY, JULY 2

SUNDAY, JULY 10
KROGER FINAL DAY BLAST AT THE FAIR
$17.00 WRISTBAND IF PURCHASED BEFORE 6 PM $24.00 AFTER 6

SALEM FAIR HOURS:

SATURDAY and SUNDAY 12 NOON-11 PM
WEEKDAYS 4PM-11 PM

It is free to get into the fair, if you can find parking. Sometimes the lots are closed as being full even though there are several open spots. I am not sure if there are limitations to how many spaces can be filled, but it would be nice if there was an open spot (or 20) that they allow some cars to park there. Some of the houses around the Salem Civic Center will allow you to park there (for a cost). When we walked through the gates, we immediately saw The Tiger Encounter.

The Bengal tigers were not doing much when we walked up. One of the tigers was just circling the cage and checking out the people staring at them. These are not the only live animals you will find there. One of the best attractions for the kids is the Petting Zoo. It can be found next to the Pony Rides. The Dairy Farm is a great option to check out cows up close. Aussie Adventure is a chance to see kangaroos and wallabies.

As you walk through the fair, you will find tons of Midway games and of course, fair food. I am shocked that Funnel Cake costs between $5.00 and $6.00 (depending on where you decide to get it). This is of course, my favorite fair food...I can overlook the fried Oreos, fried bologna sandwiches, and even cotton candy, but I can't call it a trip to the fair without a delicious piece of fried dough.

Rides have certainly changed since I was younger (and I don't think I am that old yet). Here is a picture of a ride that brought out all my phobias. You get put in this plastic ball and air is blown into it so it will float.

Then you walk around in the ball while it is floating on water. Okay, so the water is not deep at all...there was a ride attendant standing in it and the water was barely above his ankles. I have a slight fear of water (deep water when I can touch the bottom with my feet). I am also claustrophobic. So, although the line to this ride was extremely long and all the people doing it looked like they were having fun, it was not for me.

Bottom line with the Fair: It is a fun time if you enjoy rides, fair food, midway games, and exhibits. This is something that you can take the whole family to or just hang out with your friends. It is something that can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want it to be. I haven't taken the kids yet because I feel like they would want to ride the rides. Right now they are too short for some of the rides and I can't justify spending $1.00 per ticket to ride a few of the kiddie rides. I think next year my oldest will be tall enough to start riding on some of the other rides and it would probably be worth getting the wristband. Another thing to note is that before the fair, they were selling tickets online at a discounted rate. You have to buy the wristbands for a specific date, but the plus side is that it is cheaper. For directions or more information, you can check out the fair's website: http://www.salemfair.com

Enjoy just one of the many events in the local area!!!