Sometimes you need to splurge a bit. Big E day!

Today was one of those days. We went with some friends to the Eastern States Exposition, otherwise known as The Big E. It is a huge food and junk extravaganza, where you can easily spend a TON of money. Here are some ways to keep it manageable:

• Park off site. There are side streets across from the Big E where residents offer parking on their lawns for lower rates. Parking at the facility or close by is around $10. Park a couple of houses down, and you get it for $5, plus you walk off a few extra calories.
• Go during off hours. The Big E in particular offers admission after 5pm for just $6 for adults, instead of the $15 during the day. That's $9 that can go toward your food and drink for the day! Look for discount coupons at local businesses, too. 
• Remember what your parents taught you, and share! Food gets expensive at fairs. You both don't need the clam fritters or the huge turkey leg. Buy one and split it. This way you can afford another treat later. Buy a large drink and split it. 2 small lemonades would have been $8, but a large was $6. 
• Free samples are your friends. Many places/booths offer small samples. You may have to wait in line, and it might only be a small piece, but they add up. Plus you can try things that you never would normally eat.
• Watch the impulse purposes. It's easy to get carried away with all the gadgets and crafts, so be careful. If you see something you just HAVE to have, make a mental note of which booth you are at, take a walk, and if you still really want it at the end of the show, go back and buy it. With some smaller 1 or 2 day events, if you buy goods near closing, the owners are willing to lower their prices.
• Look for coupons to other events. Ski resorts, zoos, and other attractions may be offering deals at fairs like this.
• Relax! Remember, you need to have some fun once in a while. Hopefully you are setting aside money for fun or entertainment. Lots of these things are once a year, so let go and have fun for the day!

"They're coming to get you, Barbara!"

-Johnny, "Night of the Living Dead" (1968)