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September in my home town is synonymous with fair. Durham hosts the largest volunteer-run fair in North America. Although the country fair used to be cheap entertainment for a family, a fair can now swallow up hundreds of dollars without the family even knowing where the money went. There are ways to bring back the days of old with a little planning.
Parking
The Shuttle - Take the fair-provided shuttle. Parking may be farther from the fair, but that may be a positive on the way out. Even if you must pay for fair-provided parking, it is usually cheaper than the private parking in the area.
Getting In
Volunteer - Often people that volunteer for local non-profit organizations or belong to the fair association, if their is one, can enter the fair free of cost. In addition, you are donating your time to help an organization in need. Sometimes you also get the benefit of free food. If you happen to be volunteering in a food booth, they may allow you to eat during your shift or if you volunteer for several shifts, you may be able to eat for the day or weekend.
Enter something in the fair - Along with a possible ribbon, you may be able to purchase reduced-price admission tickets. Again this takes preplanning. Entries are usually required to be registered ahead of time and dropped off at a specific time and place. Also, there usually are standards an entry must meet to be acceptable. Further, entries must be picked up at the conclusion of the fair.
Money
Bring only the money you wish to spend. Leave the credit cards and checks at home. If there is really something you can't live without, take the person's card or see if you can put it on reserve -- most will be willing to for a sale. Don't promise yourself you will put the extra money back. You won't have it to put back.
Food
Eat at home or bring your own food. Eating at home has its obvious advantages, if you plan to go for a limited time. If you bring your own food, you will have to check regulations on coolers etc. Even if you can't bring it on to the premises, you could leave your meal in the car and then return to the car when you are hungry and return to the fair when you are done. This method also gives you less to carry. Don't deprive yourself. Have one or two food items to buy in mind. Indulge in only them. You can even share the indulgence and the cost.
Ride Tickets
Rides - Ask if there is a cheaper time to buy tickets; often fairs offer a cheaper rate to improve attendance on Thursday or Friday afternoons.
Arts, Crafts, and Other Purchases
Shop for ideas, not purchases; bring a notebook around with you. As you see items you like, jot down a description or sketch out the product. Don't trust your memory. You or a creative friend can try to recreate products at home. The competition booths are also ripe with ideas:
arts and crafts, cooking, canning, etc. If the item you desire is not repeatable (i.e. manufactured), mark down all information; you can usually find the same item elsewhere cheaper.
Shop at the end of the fair. If there is something you really can't live without, check back in the last hours of the fair or as the fair is being closed. Often vendors have a sale as they see what they must close up and carry. Even if there is nothing posted, it will not hurt to ask. The worst case is that he/she says no.
Entertainment
Free Entertainment - A nice plus at most country fairs is the free entertainment. Stake out the territory early. Leave a blanket or chairs. Check in through out the day. Arrive early to the show. People are usually considerate until they get desperate for a seat. Saturday night usually has the biggest star pull.
Using this advice you and your family can still enjoy the old fashioned country fair without breaking the family budget.
This article was submitted by Dawn Adams, editor of A Personal Touch, a newsletter that helps readers improve their marriages, families, homes, and entertainment on a budget. To subscribe send $15 for a 12-month subscription to:
A Personal Touch
24 Flintlock Dr.
Durham, CT 06422
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