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5 Memorial Day celebrations that won’t cost a fortune

May 23, 2013 By Shanna Leave a Comment

Memorial Day is a day for remembering the members of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. How you choose to celebrate these brave men and women is up to you, but you don’t have to spend a lot on those activities. In fact, there are several ways to have fun this weekend without breaking the bank.

BARBEQUE – The Memorial Day barbeque is a tradition that’s as American as apple pie and hot dogs (both of which make great barbeque menu items). The backyard barbeque can also be a surprisingly affordable way to entertain and feed your family and friends. Key side dishes like baked beans and potato salad are relatively low cost, and so are hot dogs and hamburgers. For more tips on how to save money on your grilling gathering, check out my previous blog entry on the topic.

PICNIC – Like a barbeque, a picnic is also a cheap gathering with great food. Unlike a barbeque, a picnic allows you to take a trip to a local park or other location. What you pack is also up to you, but sandwiches, pasta salad and other snacks should do the trick. If you’re headed to a state park, they might offer built-in barbeque stations, which will allow you to combine your picnic with a barbeque.

PARADES – Towns all across the nation will likely hold a Memorial Day parade, and if you’ve never watched a parade, I definitely recommend it. They provide entertainment for the entire family – chock full of costumed characters, marching bands, and fancy cars. The best part of a parade: It’s free!

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS – Like a parade, Memorial Day fairs and festivals can be found in many small towns and communities. Also like a parade, admission is free. Fairs can be tricky when it comes to spending (the cost of all those rides, games and deep-fried food can add up), so be sure to budget your fun wisely. Give the kids a food and games allowance – maybe $20 each – and instruct them to spend it wisely. When they’re out of money, they’re out of money!

MOVIE MARATHON – Don’t feel like firing up the barbeque, or packing a picnic basket, or heading to a parade or fair? That’s okay, because a stay-at-home Memorial Day movie marathon is fun, too! Rent a few movies, grab some popcorn, and settle in for some frugal fun!