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Marias Fair introduces inflatable fun zone to cut costs

Posted at 7:39 PM, Jul 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-20 21:40:47-04

SHELBY — With the free entry and affordable event prices, the Marias Fair Board had to find a new way to keep costs low and spirits high. The inflatable fun zone is how they got the ball rolling.

Brave fairgoers lined up for the most popular attraction, the water hamster ball, while youngsters explored the obstacle course.

Marias Fair Manager Ramona Kinyon said it’s been two years since the fair has had activities for little ones.

“I think the last time we had a carnival was in 2017,” she said. “Last year when I started, they really didn’t have anything as far as stuff for little kids to go on. So we had decided to try something like these inflatables because the carnivals, they run a little bit more, you know, like $50-$75,000 — which is a lot for a small area.”

The inflatables turned out to be a hit with the kids and saved the fair board thousands of dollars.

The Marias Fair is funded primarily through the county and donations from the public. If you have suggestions on how to improve next year’s fair, the Marias Fair Board is open to suggestions.

-Reported by Lindsie Hiatt/MTN News