If you’re like me you’ll love the fact that the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Summer is finally coming and we deserve the chance to enjoy it!  But have you ever noticed how expensive summer can be? Whether it is the rising price of gas, the need to buy new clothes after a winter of piling on the pounds (there is nothing wrong with a little extra insulation), or finding child care while little Johnny is out of school for the summer, this is an expensive time of year!

So what can we do to make the most of the short summer we have without breaking the bank? Here are some cheap fix ideas that are fun and affordable!

1. Both Edmonton and Calgary have teams in the Golden Baseball League – the Edmonton Cracker Cats and the Calgary Vipers.  Watch the boys in action while enjoying a hot dog and a pop all for under $20 a person!  The season runs from the end of May until the end of August.  More information can be found at www.calgaryvipers.com/index.html (Calgary) or www.crackercats.ca/index.html (Edmonton)
2. Edmonton is Festival City! The Street Performers Festival runs July 4-13 for 10 fun-filled days of free performances by internationally known street acts including magicians, clowns, jugglers, mime artists, musicians & comics for the young-at-heart. Don’t forget your bathing suit and cool off in the wading pool at City Hall. For information about all Edmonton festivals go to www.festivalcity.ca/
3. Prince’s Island Park is an ideal place to spend a summer day in Calgary.  Whether you go for a bike ride through the paths, play Frisbee with some friends, or catch a Shakespeare play in the park, the opportunities are endless. The park is also host to a number of festivals through out the summer.  Go to www.discovercalgary.com/Calgary/SightsAttractions/ParksGardens/ to find a calendar of events.
4. Check out your local farmers market to discover an array of fresh grown fruits and vegetables, original craft creations, and lots of other great finds! Check out the Downtown Farmers Market on Jasper Ave and 104 St or the Old Strathcona Farmers Market at 10310 – 83 Avenue if you are in Edmonton.  If you are in Calgary, check out the Calgary Farmers Market located at 4421 Quesnay Wood Drive SW on the old Currie Barracks.

The bottom line is being creative! You’ll be surprised at where your mind can take you. What’s your favorite inexpensive summer activity? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below.