i really enjoyed coming to the ostrich festival with my family and a friend every year, however this year they have gotten greedy and turn you around if you have even bottled water at the gate. so now you will have to either go through the trouble of waiting to get a tiny courtesy cup of water (due to no fountains) or purchase bottled water at $3 a pop. we spent a total of $60 on bottled water due to we dont trust city water. so dont bother trying to bring any snacks or food either. this will have a affect of our coming back next year. if im paying this much i will just wait till the state fair. sorry i feel compelled to clarify on the $60 on water which was for me, my wife, my son, a friend, and my friends son. we had a budget going in, however due to being in fear of needing more water we did not spend like we would of and actually walked out with more money than planned. i guess it helped us save money in the long run.
over all the rides and the vendors are the same every year. we enjoyed ourselves and if you can get over the water thing then it is a awesome place to take the family for a fun time as long as you go early enough due to the crowds grow as the day goes on.