Where in the world can you go to a parade, dog show, demolition derby, concert, and amusement park all in one day, in one place? Try your local fair.
Ours, the Pacific National Exhibition, has all this and more. It’s been held every year in late summer for a hundred years now. While I haven’t been to every one of those fairs (not quite), I’ve been to enough to learn how a family can get the most out of a fair.
- Keep an eye out for discounted or free tickets — not just the ones that may have come with the kids’ report cards. You may be able to get them with travel or loyalty points. If nothing else, you’ll probably save by buying tickets in advance.
- Read the fine print on the fair brochure — it’s boring, but it may save you from being held up at the gate because your stroller’s too big or something.
- Take your own beverages (unless the fine print says you can’t). Fair food is unique, but the drinks are mostly just the same as stuff you can buy at the store for a fraction of the price.
- For food that’s not quite so overpriced, try a booth run by a charity instead of a business.
- Plan for just a couple of non-free activities, like rides.
- Split up once in awhile. Not everyone will want to see the monster truck show or the prize home. A parent or a teen can take a group to something they’ll enjoy more. You’ll still have plenty of time together.
- Head home while the kids are still happy — or at least awake.
