Well this is truly my most disappointing review. I have to admit that I agree with the overall 2 star rating for what this festival has become over time.
Here's what they did well to earn their 2 stars:
1. They do a great job of offering you variety. Even though it's a Italian themed food festival, that doesn't stop the owners from bringing in vendors from all food varieties. This includes merchandise. Any and all vendors are welcome to take up a spot.
2. The venue is covered in ATM's. As most of the vendors if not all only take cash, the festival coordinators have generously made cash available at any turn. For a fee of course.
Now here is where they lose points as a whole:
1. Food Sanitation- most vendors have prepared food for the festival that is exposed to open air and uncovered so that you can see what they offer. Gross.
2. Pricing- it's obvious that this is a weekend cash grab for this festival. Understanding that they need to turn a profit there is still a difference between profit and down right price gouging.
$35 for ride wrist band (Ads say $30)
$15 for most vendors for a simple plate of prepare air exposed food.
$20lb for unclean unveiled shrimp
$10 to get in
$3 to park
3. Ride vendor- I have attached photos of the banged up rides that have severe wear to them that has been provided for this festival. I would never set foot on any of these pop up rides