Its passengers have been lured to Flemington by advertising that promotes the town as being better than many malls. Flemington is marketing its history. Unlike other theme parks that sell a specific era, Flemington is selling the feeling of history, the sense of place. But they are selling an image of a town that is no longer there. It's easier to live with the gift shop than a fast-food outlet or gritty industry, but everything has its price.
Residents have other complaints.
They despise the traffic on Main Street, the lack of parking. Everyone wants to live on a small town. It, too, transforms itself just out of reach of the poor weekend visitor. That is the way in every tourist city and seaside resort. Instant history, instant theme.