DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!

Has anyone else in Utah attended the Dicken's Christmas Festival and actually enjoyed it?  Nate and I decided to take Morgan and go last night since I started making a little extra money tutoring.  I noticed on their webpage that you could save a $1 by  buying tickets in advance online, and since every dollar counts, I did that, and saved .75 a ticket because there's always a fee when you buy online.  So $12.50 and high expectations later we arrived at the Utah State Fair Park where of course you have to pay $5 for parking.  $17.50! Okay, whatever, it may still be worth it.  Have you ever paid $17.50 to go to a flea mall, because that's basically what we did?!  The advertisement said "not just another craft show."  It promised entertainment, caroling, and Father Christmas.  Entertainment came in the form of a young girls dancing show.  That's cute and fine if there's more to it.  No Carolers.  Oh, and you want your child to see Father Christmas.  I was told that would cost $20 more!  You have to be kidding me.  Yes, there was a lot of food.  Yes, there were lots of shopping opportunities.  But just because you put "Ye Olde" in front of a word does not make it Olde!  Ye Olde Mexican Bags.  Ye Olde Navajo Tacos!  Not to mention, all of this requires money and we just paid $17.50 to get into the place.  Okay, there were the free reindeer to see.  And there was a free carriage ride from one building to another if you could wait in line for it.  That's what we got for our $17.50.  Next time, I'd choose Hogle Zoo lights instead for sure!

I don't really like confrontation, but I was so disappointed I decided to express my concerns to someone in charge, honestly, hoping for a refund.  I still want to enjoy a Christmas activity!  So I sent out an e-mail expressing my wish to speak to someone, and just a few hours later received a phone call.  It was nice to have my e-mail answered quickly.  I expressed my concerns nervously but calmly and this is what I was told.  "I'm sorry you didn't enjoy yourself.  If you had found me last night I would have showed you the free stuff."  "You can sit on Father Christmas's lap for free.  It only costs to have a picture.  Whoever told you that must have misunderstood you."  This is my problem?  She'll take my concerns to the board.  How does that help my family this year?  What a disappointment?  I'm sorry, but I would not suggest this activity to anyone I know.  Well, unless they like to spend money for the chance to spend more money.  Go to "Ye Olde Wal-Mart" or "Ye Olde Target" instead!

Thanks for letting me vent!