As a previous resident of Sauk Centre, MN, and a regular attendee of the Stearns County Fair, I, along with hundreds of others, fell victim to an unfair practice during our beloved local event. The Stearns County Fair Board advertised a slew of rides, prompting us to purchase mega passes with the promise of unlimited fun. However, to our disappointment, these advertised rides were absent at the fair.

Not only were the promised rides missing, but our requests for refunds have been arrogantly dismissed by the Fair Board. Every single person who purchased those passes has been affected. This isn't just about the money—it's about the trust we place in our local institutions, only to be left feeling cheated.

Sadly, such issues are not limited to our city. A recent study shows that around 20% of events fail to deliver on their advertised promises, while refund policies remain unclear or, worse yet, non-existent (Data from Event Misrepresentation Index, 2021). This does not condone the actions of our Fair Board, but further emphasizes the need to hold them accountable.

We cannot let such unethical practices tarnish the spirit of our cherished community gatherings. Thus, we demand that the Stearns County Fair Board take responsibility and issue refunds to all the disappointed mega pass holders. Moreover, they must ensure transparency and reliability in their future dealings.

It's time to stand up for our rights as consumers and local residents. Sign this petition and demand justice for all those who were deceived. Stand for a fairer treatment and a more honest representation of our community events.

***my 16year old daughter worked her butt off to make and save her own money. She saw the advertisement for the rides & was super excited. She decided to share this experience with a friend & went ahead & bought 2 mega passes for the rides together. Now for a 16yr old this is a HUGE exciting accomplishment & event. And she was extremely upset to find out she spent all of her money she earned to just be lied to. The rides she thought they would have a blast on, weren't even there! So what is being taught here by refusing a refund, is that its ok to lie, to deceive hard working people, take no accountability & to diminish any faith in that having strong work ethic at such a young age will give you rewards to reap. It's annoying enough as an adult to feel you were swindled but for a child, it's extremely upsetting. I find the actions of refusing to refund the money is wrong & unfair. And as adults we know that life is unfair & its one of those things we are stuck getting over. However, as a mom of such an amazing young girl with a drive to achieve that is much stronger than most kids her age, I'm absolutely disgusted. I also feel, you didn't swindle me, a grown woman, you swindled a child and that is not ok! So this petition is not only a voice for us adults but a voice for girls like her.