Adding to the story ... Readers comments:

Cassie :  I believe the reply to Fiona's experience was harsh. Fiona attended with an open mind and spirit of optimism. She stated she was an experienced fair-goer. I would welcome her opinion. She experienced perhaps some "hard to avoid" inconveniences (soaked paper plates) but one thing she reported is avoidable--distracted and not-pleasant food service staff! Regardless of how many hours of hard work one is doing, workers can make all the difference in how an event or town is perceived. Perhaps volunteers are "victimized" by poor planning and decisions by fair organizers but wearing the bad attitude can imprint a permanently negative impression of an entire community on the dismayed and disappointed visitor. Staff who cannot overcome the inevitable discomfort of working the hot food concessions in the summer should not be in positions where they interact negatively with the public.

Maille :  Lobsters I can get locally and live, but they taste better in Maine.

Apparently not judgemental :  if all you're looking for is a warm reception, philly, even though one of my favorite places, is probably not the wisest choice. Go to Philly, Maine or any other place for character, experience and all the other things, actual and felt, that make such places unique. Go to Chili's, American Airlines or Disneyland if you want a warm reception.

Seeking Smiles :  I always wanted to attend the Maine Lobster Festival, but thanks to the "local yokel's" response to Fiona, I think I'll head to the Philly Cheesestake Festival where the reception might be warmer.

local yokel :  As a born and bred "Mainah" for 7 decades, I would suggest that it is people like Fiona that give "flat-landers" and people "from away" a bad name with natives. Practically all of the servers at the Lobster Festival are volunteer who work long, hard hours to try to please those that attend the Lobster Festival. The work is hard, the hours are long, and if they are sometimes a little less that cordial, it is because they have worked those long, hard hours to try to please the often ungrateful visitors. Mainers are hard working people and welcome visitors, however, Fiona and her ilk are welcome to go elsewhere. Try a Philly Cheesestake festival next year, Fiona.

Fiona :  The idea of a Lobster Festival fostered a picture, in my mind of a big, friendly, open air cooking pot and lots of picnic tables and happy sounds. I was dismayed at the claustrophobic atmosphere in the stiffling hot tent, the long long tables with benches and the density of seating. The lobster and hot corn was dripping wet and the thin cardboard plate was immediately soaked through. The lines to get your food were long, the people serving were distracted and not particularly pleasant. It was put together as an assembly line and without charm. I have been to many fairs and this one was the least appealing and I would not recommend it. I would like to read a rebuttal by the organizers. After-all, they do this every year, it must be a big money maker. I would like to know if they think there is room for improvement.