This past Thursday, I took my four-year-old son and my almost two-year-old daughter

Firemen's Carnival kicked off July 1 in Mamaroneck

to the Fireman's Carnival at the Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck.  My son adores the rides so we were there early and I bought 30 tickets for $1 each.  Within five minutes it was clear that my little one was too small to go on any rides.  She was pretty upset so I took her for her favorite - avocado rolls at Toyo Sushi - and my husband stayed with my son.  I returned about an hour later and discovered that my free spending spouse had purchased an additional 45 tickets.  I also discovered that lots of the other kids were wearing pay-one-price $20 wristbands.  Wow - were we both too distracted to notice that you could get an all-night band.  I walked over to the ticket booth and looked everywhere - no sign.  When I complained, I was referred to someone named Rosanne.  "What, no sign?" 

We walked back together and she verified that the sign was missing.  "Great,"  I thought "now I'm getting somewhere."  Then, Rosanne offered to exchange my remaining 15 tickets for a wristband for a mere additional $5.  Wow, she's so gracious.  Enraged, I marched over to talk to the closest firemen.  I was referred to the chief of the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department who seemed to be sincerely sorry that the sign was missing and that we had been ripped off.  He asked me how many wristbands I wanted.  Now, what I really wanted was the $55 we had needlessly spent over the cost of the wristband, but I accepted what was offered and said three.  Why three? - because it was closest in value I could get to my $75 expense without going over.  I felt better as I waited for the chief to come back.  I was considering whether we should give the two extra wristbands to other ignorant people who had been ripped off or just new people coming though the entrance. 

The chief returned and sheepishly handed me one wristband.  I did not even bother to argue.  I was even wondering if the chief had to pay the additional $5 himself.

So, all of you carnival go'ers watch out.  Make sure that you demand your Pay One Price $20 wristbands.  And, if you see Rosanne of Ace Tent Amusement Corp. keep your hand on your wallet.

--submitted by Gail 

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