York Fair drops longtime ride supplier for better deal
Reithoffer Shows supplied York Fair rides for more than 30 years, but their contract expired and a cheaper offer was made.
Reithoffer Shows supplied York Fair rides for more than 30 years, but their contract expired and a cheaper offer was made.
By REBECCA LeFEVER Daily Record/Sunday NewsYork, PA - A 31-year relationship with York Fair's ride supplier ended last week when a new contract was signed with a business offering a better deal.
Reithoffer Shows had been servicing the fair since 1980, with iconic rides like the ferris wheel and the water flume, but fair president Gene Schenck said a cheaper offer was made.
Deggeller Attractions, a family owned and operated company based in Florida, closed the deal on a four-year contract with the fair Jan. 14.
"It was hard to say goodbye to Reithoffer," Schenck said Tuesday. "They're our friends, and we worked a long time with them -- but they couldn't match the offer.
"Deggeller used to travel from the Maryland State Fair to North Carolina -- a trip of about 400 miles, Schenck said.With the new contract, Deggeller will be in Maryland the week before the York Fair, and travel 40 miles to York County before heading to the Virginia State Fair."It was a perfect route for them," Schenck said.
In addition to a cheaper rate, Deggeller also was able to increase the minimum number of rides from 43 to 50, Schenck said.The company was willing to work with the fair board to expand the use of wristbands, which were sold at the fair or at Weis Markets for a discounted rate. Schenck said he didn't expect the price of wristbands to change.
There will be some minor differences between the two companies, Schenck said.Rides for younger children were located in Kiddieland, but will now be in Kiddie Kingdom. Most of the rides will be similar, Schenck said, and while there will be some minor changes, York County residents shouldn't expect a drastic change.
There also will be adjustments made to accommodate the new rides, Schenck said. Aisles will be made wider, with a standard size of 45 feet wide.
Games, which were split between the midway, will be mixed between the rides, Schenck said.
"The new contract was a function of the calendar and the map," Schenck said. "The business side of things calls for some tough decisions, and this was one we had to make if we hoped to see the fair go on."
The 2011 York Fair is Sept. 9 to 18 at the York Fairgrounds, 334 Carlisle Ave., West Manchester Township.For more information visit yorkfair.org.
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