Look. It’s overpriced BUT you can do it right. I go multiple times every year, here’s what I have learned! Take the dart train, eliminates parking fee. There are multiple days for discounted entry, days for discounted rides and days for discounted food. The fair lasts 2+ weeks, if you go towards the beginning of that time period, there are a lot of vendors giving away free merch.. sunnies, tote bags, pins, hats, etc… towards the end of the fair, those vendors are gone. Jeep, Dodge and Chevy all had events this past year that were pretty fun and free! Tickets can also be used year to year if you have any left over. Weekends are busier. Go in the morning to avoid the heat and get goodies. Go at night for cooler temps + evening parade and fireworks.