Last Saturday, I attended the St George’s School Fair with my family and some friends. It was a last minute decision that resulted in some good deals and good fun.

If you’re thinking of attending next year, just know that parking is brutal for a 6 block radius and that your friends at Buster Towing are out in full force. Your best bet is to park on the other side of Dunbar (East of Dunbar around 29th) and walk in. The school suggests you park at their Senior School and hop on their shuttle bus. As we stood in line waiting for the gates to open, the line expanded down the street and around the corner (and these are long blocks).

Once inside, I made a B-line for the toys, only to wait in another line. The toy tent was like a shark tank at feeding time…a little frantic, with lots of people circling. There were good deals on small toys and cars, pick any 10 for only $2.

I managed to grab some fun stuff that my toddler just loves. This included a DJ Karaoke keyboard by VTech for $5, a Little Tikes car and gas pump for $23 and a plane with action figure by Fisher Price for $2. Plus, (as if that wasn’t enough) a car garage/car wash with lots of animated buttons by Little Tikes for $4.

When the shopping euphoria had subsided, I realized I’d been deserted by my friends and family so I had to schlep all this stuff over to the baggage check by myself. I’m sure I was a hilarious sight and a few Moms gave me a sympathetic nod. A big thank you goes out to the good samaritan that gave me a hand with the car the last couple of yards.

Next, I headed to the books and lined up there. Kids books were 4 for $5 (hardcovers). I bought 4 and a bunch of cookbooks for myself as a reward for waiting in all these lines.

At that point 2 hours elapsed and even though there was much more to see it was lunch time (to be followed by the ever important nap) and home was calling us. I usually like to saunter through the treasure trove, used clothes and jewelry but let’s face it; I’d done enough damage for one day (besides we couldn’t fit anymore in our car).

Next Saturday, I’m off to the Vancouver College Mayfair to see what can find. I should probably clean out the trunk this time.

St George’s School Fair – May 1, 2010
St. George’s Junior School
3851 West 29th Avenue
(29th & Wallace)
10:00am – 4:00pm

Vancouver College Mayfair – May 8, 2010
5400 Cartier Street, Vancouver, BC
10:00am-4:00pm