text: I loved, loved, loved the fair when I was a child. I LOVED IT. I got to see the Beach Boys in my first ever concert...such good times. I was so happy when we went. I would go at least 3-4 times while it was in town. Well, I definitely DO NOT love what the fair has become. Its a travesty, a sham, and...well...a mockery. Guys: its a Travishamockery. Let me explain why...now:\n\n~What To Do~\nWell, you will blow boatloads of cash..that's numero uno. Besides that, you can check out all the rides they offer, as well as exhibitions ranging from animals to crafts and baking, as well as the Expo area, where retailers hawk their products. Oh and the food, its the one time of the year where most people wont judge you for eating your soul away.\n\n~The Good~\nEh... there are some \"bright spots\". The food is fun and different. I love the Indian Fry Bread stations, although every single vendor is not the same....you have to be picky. The food options are abundant as well, and if you do not care about what you put in you, its a field day for you. The Expo they hold each year has some fun vendors each year. In 2013, they weren't as much fun as previous years, but still they held my attention for a bit. I did try some of the extreme rides....holy hell, scary, but fun. I will admit I did enjoy hanging out with my fiance in cool weather, it was refreshing and relaxing to stroll around and have some fun. Also, the concerts and events they offer each year are pretty good for free admission, I simply haven't had the time or I would've hit up a number of them over the years.\n\n~The Bad~\nOy Vey...So, lets say about 7+ years ago (approximately) the whole re-invention of fairs began nationwide. With that change came increased prices, lower quality prizes, insanely fatty and poor quality foods, and whats worse: a really crummy corporate feel, by way of RCS out here in Phoenix. So now, we are left with what RCS has provided us. Its really a shell of former fun times. We still have the awesome destruction derby and concerts, as well as some fun rides still.. But they have stripped  all that away with the watered down prizes and games that are pretty much rigged....And the prizes... I mean, come on. They deduce down to dog chew toys really. Perfect size for our Yorkie and Chihuahua. Rips in about 3 days time. \n\nPrices are outrageous and I am consistently keeping an eye on spending...you are a fool to go to the fair and just spend whatever...because you will spend 100+ EASY with that mindset. I see a number of people defending the current incarnation, and it amuses me. I remember the balloon darts, when I could win a huge framed picture to hang up on my wall (I remember choosing a Michael Jordan picture)...Well, now, we have balloons, with hackisack-style balls filled with pellets. The balloon dart signs, with pictures of darts are still out there!!!!! \n\nRuining my childhood memories, that's what RCS is doing. And diets too, they just ruin so much...Up-charge me at the gate, and get rid of RCS. I do not care about spending more to get in, FOR A QUALITY PRODUCT. Getting in for free is not worth it. Just wretched. I could go on and on.. deplorable. \n\n~The Down low~\nI really am not sure where to go from here. Really am not. It's a rubbish product, really. Its like paying for a Jaguar, and getting an Aveo... its not right. I am giving 2 stars, because it actually could get worse, and if it does, I have an option to downgrade. I mentioned the redeeming factors already, which all make up the 2 stars they receive...but they do not help. Not a bit. I'll spare writing further, and let the review speak for itself. Save the money and go up North and hike and get your palms read by a hippy....or go golfing... or go to Castles and Coasters and mess around with your family....or go to Scottsdale and steal someone's Audi....or do a meth lab bust in AJ. All of these are equally invigorating and less expensive options, than spending $10 to throw a ball in a basket, attempting to win a cheap stuffed 1000'' stuffed bear.