WEST FARGO — The Red River Valley Fair's pivot from 10 consecutive days of events to three weekends has created an interesting dynamic for the vendors who provide food and entertainment for fairgoers. Under the new format, the fairgrounds become a ghost town Monday through Wednesday each week as the gates close on the attraction. The change allows vendors a rare opportunity for time off between bustling weekends, with some opting to explore the metro area and others taking the time to relax in their camp.
“I could never work in an office,” Genevieve Reindl said. She is an employee of Miller Concessions, a vendor that travels to various fairs in the Midwest for seven months each year to sell classic fair food such as corn dogs, hot dogs, cheese curds, lemonade and french fries. She said moving from fair to fair has allowed her to take in new scenery and meet diverse people.
Although Reindl has enjoyed the time off, she said, she "wanted to come to work." "Our bosses do give us time off, and that's enough for me," she said. She spends her days off relaxing, she said, walking around the fairgrounds and looking at the animals.
When the fair was operating, she also visited the Marines booth where she won a T-shirt by completing a four-minute plank. Reindl said some of her co-workers took part in the fair rides and concerts. Ben Wondra, the manager at Miller Concessions, said he enjoys the Red River Valley Fair's new schedule as it allows him flexible time.
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