New fair coupons cut costs

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Admission to the Houlton Agricultural Fair over the Fourth of July weekend has a new money-saving twist this year. Paul Cleary, president of the Houlton Fair Association, said that’s not the only thing new. But, photo passes are out and discount coupon booklets are in.
    “One of the biggest things is that we are no longer doing our advance photo passes this year. Instead we are doing what we call advance coupon booklets,” said Cleary. He explained that with four coupons per booklet, representing one for each of the four days of the fair, it can save as much as $20 for admission without rides. The fair starts Thursday, July 1 and runs through Sunday, July 4.  
    This year the coupons are not specific to any particular day or person. So, for example, “if you and a friend only go to the fair for two days you both get in and still save $20 on admissions.” Advance coupon booklets cost $20 without rides and $32 with rides. Sales of those booklets are limited until June 21 by contract with the carnival operator. After June 21, admission is $10 per person per day. Cleary said on a four day admission you save $8 with rides or you can go all four days for half price. “On a four-day admission without rides you save  $20,” Cleary explained since some people don’t go on the rides.
    Ticket sales this year so far “are really good,” according to Cleary who said advance coupon booklets are available at Aroostook Milling, the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, York’s Bookstore, the fair office in Community Park and online at www.houltonfair.com. This, Saturday, June 12 volunteers will sell the coupons in Market Square during the farmer’s market.