Tonight we made the last minute decision to take the kids to Taste of Edmonton because a. the kitchen was clean and I didn’t want to mess it up and b. it was almost six and they I was getting hangry. So, we drove downtown scored us some good parking and checked it out.

Bring Your Own Drinks
Seriously, bring your own drinks unless you want to buy multiple $4 lemonades (and grudgingly share them with the kids who just keep sucking up seeds and freaking you out making you think they’re choking on them). Bring water, or juice for the kids, whatever you prefer but it’s going to save you like ten bucks when it comes to buying beverages.

Plus, then you won’t have to find your way to a pop machine, make sure you have change and convince the kids they want water, not juice.

Bring Cash
Never, ever use the ATM machines at these types of events. Chances are that you’re going to be charged upwards of $3 for the machine and an additional $1.50 from your own bank. That’s a lemonade, right there - and those fees add up over the course of a few festivals and Farmer’s Markets.

Check out the Menu
Check out the menu before you go and make a note of the things that you want to try. This way, you’re not going to wander aimlessly while the kid in the stroller starts to get bored and scream to get the heck out of there. Seriously, it’s a team parenting effort.

You can find the menu for this year, here. Check it out and plan before you go - and as an upside you’re not going to have to go back for tickets when you see something you want.

The Buddy System - Let the Food Come to You
We had a good system for the Taste of Edmonton. We relocated to a few spots, but one of us would go and grab the food and the other one of us would stay with the kids. If you’re traveling with a stroller it helps to avoid the crowds and it stops those complaints like “I’m so tired I’ve been walking around here for eleven minutes straight without a drink”. First world problems, kiddo. First world problems.

Stay away from the Fountains
Well, unless you want to let your kid go swimming. Tonight? Olivia had blisters from her Crocs, socks and shoes on and I didn’t want to deal with a soaking wet kid on the way home - so, unless you want to go swimming steer clear of the fountain.

Must Try Foods
Mahi Mahi burgers were yummy and Blue Willow is always a sure bet, Jamie said the dry ribs were good and the lemonade is a must. I’d skip the Old Spighetti Factory but the kids wanted pasta and they were getting a bit irate so we grabbed it to smooth things over in the last few minutes. SKIP SKIP SKIP the donair poutine and head to the Sketchy Stadium Donair place, across from Stadium Save on Foods. Sketchy, but cheap and delicious.