Even the State Fair isn’t safe from Axne’s socialist agenda

August 6, 2021

Food and drinks at the Iowa State Fair will be more expensive this year, Axios reports.

This latest example of rising prices comes the day after the NRCC launched a new ad criticizing Cindy Axne’s harmful economic policies for causing rising prices.

NRCC Comment: “Not even the State Fair is safe from rising prices caused by Cindy Axne’s reckless spending.” NRCC Spokesman Mike Berg

In case you missed it…

Food costs rise for fairgoers and vendors

Axios Des Moines

Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta

https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-des-moines-a3676e76-180d-4706-8663-2cf1a3ec2c83.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_desmoines&stream=top

Food and drink demand is expected to soar at the fair this year, but ingredients, supplies and staff are all in short supply.

Why it matters: You’ll likely have to pay $1-2 more for your favorite foods, as rising costs are passed to consumers.

  • And don’t expect all your favorite menu items to be there. We’ve heard it’s hard to find everything from pickle spears to Corona.

For example: Cooking oil, a fried food staple, was difficult to track down, said Jada Smith, owner of Jada Concessions.

  • When she found it, the bulk cost more than doubled from the last fair — from $25 to $58 per container.
  • “It’s outrageous, and then the customers are mad at us because we have to raise our prices,” Smith said.

Plus: Vendors were required to share their menus and lock-in prices earlier this summer. But they say prices fluctuate every week.

  • Bryan Etchen, owner of Iowa Orchard, said he had to ask fair officials last week if he could raise his prices or risk not attending. (They obliged, he said.)
  • Less than 20% of vendors have approached the fair asking to change their prices this year, according to officials.

The big picture: With SBA loans to pay back and pricier expenses, this year will be about staying afloat, said Helen Little of Campbell’s Concessions.

  • “Crazy is the only word I can come up with because it’s almost like we just can’t get our head around it yet,” Little said.