Maggie Valley leadership is thinking like government. Years ago, the town invested in fairgrounds. The expanded festivals this year lost money. Director of Festivals Audrey Hager begs to differ. Operating at a loss is a benefit for the community. The town never intended to make money off the fairgrounds. It wanted to give tourists coming to the valley something to do. Many in government are interested in eliminating vendor rent at festivals altogether in the future. Alderman Phil Aldridge thinks the town should not be investing, but holding onto its assets during the “recovery.” Recently, the town has lost big-name attractions run by private interests.