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The VC Mayfair is not your everyday school fair. Yes, they have the obligatory baked goods, toys, books, sporting goods, and clothing for sale but they also have an International Food Fair and an “inflated playground” for kids.
Once again, I was first in line at the Toys and “man oh man” did I clean up. I nabbed a Fisher-Price Rock, Roll ‘N Ride Trike (reg $45), a Fisher Price Radio/Alarm Clock that talks, a battery operated fire engine, some toy cars, a Kawasaki Digital Drum Set (reg $45), a Kawasaki Musical Keyboard (reg $34), a cute wooden growth chart, a Crayola Crayon Maker (Reg $60), and a brand new (never opened) Fisher Price Fun to Imagine Power Sounds Workshop Tool Bench (reg $40). The kicker…I think I paid $35 for everything. Isn’t that just crazy? The trike was 6 bucks. That’s it, I’m never paying retail for toys again.
The Internation Food Fair is unique. Here, you can buy Latin, Filipino, Korean, Greek, Indian, Japanese and Chinese food. There are also the typical hamburgers, hotdogs and pizza lurking around plus pancakes to be had in the morning.
Around back, beside O’Hagan field was every kids’ fantasy; a bright, bouncy village that included a farm, gianormous pirate ship, huge slide, and jungle. There was even an obstacle course with kids racing from within huge, clear plastic balls. I’ve never seen anyone so happy to be zipped inside a huge, inflated plastic bubble. These kids were hysterical. There were 2 areas appropriate for toddlers but the rest was definitely for bigger kids.
Talk about cheap entertainment for the kids, the entry fee was only $2. The fair is well-organized and the people volunteering are friendly and laid back. This is a fun way to spend part of your Saturday. The fair is usually held the second Saturday in May.
Vancouver College School
5400 Cartier Street,
Vancouver, BC
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
