Independence Chamber of Commerce — Local services in Independence

I have been attending the Santa-Cali-Gon festival nearly all 18 years of my life, and as an Independence native, I really look forward to it each year. There are several vendors selling loads of things, most of which are crafty items rather than infomercial stuff. The food vendors have reasonable prices and actually have food that won't exactly kill you, unlike the junk food vendors Wade Shows has near the carnival grounds. For the most part, the crowds of people keep to themselves and there is a good police presence within the festival for added security. I have only seen a few small issues such as fights break out among the uncivilized people that visit the fair.

The carnival is ridiculously overpriced and is actually quite dangerous. Most fights/thefts/lost children occur here. To me, buying a worlds of fun ticket is a much better value overall.

I would also recommend going into the local shops behind the vendor tents because they have some interesting items, and usually have sales during the festival.

The worst experience my family has had was when a shaved lemon ice employee insulted my mother by calling her a money peddler. She was paying with a fifty and was trying to explain that the woman gave her an incorrect amount of money back according to the prices, she was short a few dollars in change. My mother tried to explain this, only for the woman to call my mother a few choice words and threaten to call security on her.

In retrospect, my mother has raised 7 children, 4 of which were adopted (3 had severe mental issues) and currently has 5 grandchildren, she is not the type to steal or lie. It is ridiculous when a shop keeper makes a 60 year old customer have tears in her eyes by being so rude and aggressive.

Despite all this, it has the normal hubub of a fair, lots of people and lots of ways to spend money while...

Employee named Ethan Allen completely discriminated against my daughter with autism. He refused to let her ride a horse on the carousel. When I came back with a lady that explained why I needed to stay with her since I wasn't getting through his thick skull; he then tried to make her sit on a bench instead of letting her on a horse!! Hell no! That is discrimination and she has the same rights as every other child.

BUT IN MY OPINION EVERYONE SANTACALIGON IN INDEPENDENCE DID BECAUSE YOU DID NOT EVEN MAKE YOUR EMPLOYEE APOLOGIZE TO MY DAUGHTER; a paying customer. AS WELL AS WADE SHOWS. MY DAUGHTER WAS CRYING THINKING SHE HAD DONE SOMETHING WRONG WHEN IN FACT SHE WAS BEING AN ANGEL. MONEY REFUND IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH IN THIS SITUATION. MAKE MY DAUGHTER SPECIAL AND TREAT HER LIKE OTHERS OR YOU CAN HAVE HELL TO PAY!

SORRY WILL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH (ALTHOUGH THE EMPLOYEE WOULD NOT EVEN APOLOGIZE TO MY DAUGHTER) So very sorry if you lost that job.

Come up with something better than offering a refund, saying sorry, and go out of your damn way to make sure my daughter is happy and feels special!

PEOPLE WHO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST OTHERS DESERVE THE UNSPEAKABLE!!! ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS INNOCENT CHILDREN. Too bad I could not give less than one star...

With tons of unique vendors, hundreds of foodstuffs, games and rides... Santacaligon is by far one of the biggest festivals around. From friday thru monday (labor day), you get to enjoy live music from great artists, beer gardens, alligator-on-a-stick, funnel cakes, shopping, gaming and tons of other things for all ages. With a fun and cheerful atmosphere, you're bound to see a lot of people there you know, as well as meet people who travel from all over to join the festivities. We go every year, and...