Coin shortage affects State Fair vendor pricing

State Fair vendors have rounded off their prices to account for the national coin shortage.

According to the Federal Reserve, bank and business closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly disrupted the normal circulation patterns of U.S. coins, leading to a shortage across the country. As a result, many vendors at the State Fair have adjusted their prices to whole numbers, requiring no change.

“We had to go with no coins at all because I was told it was impossible to get quarters,” Carol Helmer, of the Fried Fruit & Fried Olives stand, said. “I even called the Federal Reserve to see if I could buy directly from the Fed and I couldn’t.”

State Fair officials suggested vendors either round their prices up or down. Helmer is encouraging visitors to bring cash since everyone accepts it. While many take credit cards, they can be “hit or miss.”