Only two days after rolling out plans to eliminate cash purchases, the Iowa State Fair board of directors announced yesterday that they will not require tickets for all vendor purchases at this year’s state fair.

Officials said they plan “to investigate future implementation of a more progressive system that will eliminate Fairgoers’ concerns of the inconvenience of paper tickets and long lines, improve the concessionaires’ reporting system and accommodate the Fair’s infrastructure.”

Feedback was overwhelmingly negative on all the comment threads I read this week, because the no-cash rule would inconvenience fairgoers. The state fair board will have to look for other ways to combat the problem of some vendors failing to report their full sales.

Meanwhile, Governor Terry Branstad’s office quickly released a statement noting that he and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds “applaud” the State Fair Board’s decision. I’ve posted the statement after the jump. It does not explain whether Reynolds, who serves on the state fair board, argued against the planned no-cash policy before fair officials announced it in a letter to vendors this week. I have to say, it’s smart politics for Branstad to insert himself into this controversy. It costs him nothing to come out against a deeply unpopular change to the state fair.

Branstad, Reynolds applaud State Fair Board’s decision

January 9, 2014

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today applauded the Iowa State Fair Board’s decision to maintain its cash payment system for food and drinks.

“I’m pleased the Iowa State Fair Board has listened to fairgoers’ concerns and decided to maintain its cash payment system,” said Branstad. “When making a decision affecting so many individuals, it’s important to find a consensus. This decision will ensure convenience and efficiency for State Fair visitors.”

Lt. Gov. Reynolds, who serves on the Board and joined the meeting via conference call, said, “The people of Iowa take great pride in their state fair, so it came as no surprise that Iowans were quick to express their opinion on the decision. I applaud the board’s decision today – which reflects the sentiment of a majority of Iowans – giving Iowans the ability to use cash for food and drink concessions.”