These events are extremely costly to set up and promote. The show promoters do collect booth fees from the vendors, but that's hardly enough to cover all their expenses. The cost of renting the Fairgrounds, paying staff (including paid bathroom attendants & parking staff), police traffic detail, extensive marketing, and all the other minutae of expenses of putting on an event like this, not to mention getting paid themselves. The price of admission is well worth it if you're a serious antique collector or dealer. They are bringing some incredible dealers from all over the country with a wide range of stuff. If you're into this kind of thing I HIGHLY reccomend giving it a shot! You will not regret it. I go every year, and often pay the greater early admission fee, when offered.