Surviving Enjoying a Street Festival with Kids
On Saturday afternoon we (2 grandparents, 2 parents and 2 children) strolled into town to indulge in the delights of the Rose of Tralee Festival on the streets. Following a really lovely afternoon here are my tips for those of you making similar excursions.
1. Limit the pester potential.
Face painters, helium balloons, pick'n'mix stalls, toys and trinkets, chip and ice cream vans provide an endless stream of temptation for kids from tots to teens. It's probably not realistic to avoid taking out your wallet at all so,set a limit in your own mind, if the kids are old enough, tell them and then let them make choices. When the quota has been filled say no and keep saying it, referring to the treats already recieved. Hold firm, they should run out of patience before you do as there will be lots of other distractions. We decided on one edible treat and one other and it worked. The princess had seen the face painters in town the previous day and had her heart set on it. The Happy One joined in too so we spent the rest of the afternoon in the company of a delighted butterfly and lion! Cute plastic tubs of jelly babies proved irresistable to the sweet toothed princess and reminded me that packaging is indeed an essential element of the marketing mix, it certainly clinched this deal.
My treat was a green cotton bag from galwaygirl.com who launched their imaginative range in Tralee this week. It has Mála written across it and is my new library bag. There was lots more on the stall including colourful and clever t-shirts. The adults indulged in foodie treats too and brought home Feta cheese, olives and bread which made a delicious supper with salad when we arrived home.
2. Slow down.
Adopt the pace of a toddler mosey and it will be easier to negotiate the buggy through the crowds. You will see, hear and smell more. Be in the moment, you are at your destination and the distractions are your purpose.
3. Allow yourself the luxury of a little childlike wonder.
Much cynicism abounds about the local festivals but leave yours behind and I promise you won't be disappointed. If you're struggling with this watch a child mesmerised by a busker surrounded with a plethora of homemade puppets, it won't be long before you're mesmerised yourself.
4. Cash is King.
Notes in small denominations and change will be gratefully received by street vendors who usually don't have facilities to accept cards.
5. Pack the Camera.
Those painted faces will be tired and smudged by the time you get home and the stilt walker towering over your family is worth recording.
6. Prepare for disaster.
A high proportion of day out catastrophes can be eliminated from all but memory with baby wipes, so put them in your bag right now!
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