[quote name='blue' timestamp='1505660061' post='3373392']
Fair and festival gigs in The States are great. Usually you play half the time of a bar gig and your pay is doubled. And the weather is usually great.
Blue
[/quote]
From what I understand Blue, your state and county fairs have a reasonably long history and take place in proper show grounds with decent infrastructure.
There are lot iof festivals in the UK that have sprung up in the last 20 or so years and have, in my opinion, poor quality facilities and organisation.
Also, in my experience, if you're not fairly high up the bill you won't get a cash payment. The 'fee' is free entry for the whole festival. Which puts a different light on things.
Although, I agree with you, set times are often short plus PA, lights and backline is usually supplied.