We attempted three times to buy advance tickets at the local Appletree supermarket, but their booth was closed twice (once a four in the afternoon!) and this morning, the tickets had already been picked back up. Because we'll have to buy them at the gate, we're already a little off from my budget. But with the free child's ticket, it's still only going to cost $32 for the three of us.
When we arrive, we pay our $5 for parking and slog our way from the oh, so soggy parking field to the front gate. We're pretty impressed by the big top and there is a menagerie area just inside the gate. There are elephant, camel, and pony rides just begging to be bought. There is also a semi-petting zoo where you can buy feed to give to goats, llamas, and a donkey. We met this lovely lady there:
Her big smile caused Hoot to do a little jig!
And immediately, I'm wondering how much llama food costs! But, I push the impulse aside and we eventually enter the Big Top itself. We bypass the clown selling programs at the front door, but stop at the concession trailer as we had promised Hoot one of those elusive sodas he likes so much. So, there was another $2.50, but hey, that's okay. We're only up to $39.50 out of our $50 budget.
As we head towards the stadium seating, we notice a woman with a cash register is selling reserved "preferred seating" for only $4 extra. There is also "box seating" for $5 extra. The box seating consists of plastic lawn chairs right down front and center on the floor level. The preferred seating is just behind it and the seats have backrests. It's now almost 7:30 pm and I've been up since 5:30 am and those backrests are looking very, very appealing. Then I realize how much easier it would be to keep Hoot contained if we had back rests. I suddenly find myself wondering if I will choose $12 extra or $15 extra. Remember a few years ago, when an elephant went mad at a small circus? I can still play the video footage in my head. Okay, preferred please, I would like to have a buffer or two between us and center ring. And that's it. Our circus budget is blown by a buck fifty.
But, of course, it doesn't stop there! We're in our seats and it's almost showtime and the concessionaires are out in force with light up swords, fiber optic wands, and what we called "The Wand of Power" because we thought it had the power to keep Hoot entertained until the show began. It was a blue wand with a spinning globe of lights on top. When you pushed the button it made a zinging noise and the lights went crazy. Circus budget blown by $11.50.
Halfway through the show, we hit intermission. Or should I say, half-time capitalism? Step right up ladies and gentlemen! In ring one, the ever popular Pony Ride! Only $4 for a round! Now showing in ring two: The amazing Drape A Giant Snake Around Your Baby, What a Christmas Card This Will Make Photo Booth! Only $5 a photo, kids! And in ring three: Elephant rides, $6 a pop! Needless to say, I was quite happy we made it through intermission only spending $3 on cotton candy. The boys were totally eyeing those elephants!
The cotton candy was the last purchase of the night and we all had a blast. The budget was blown by $14.50. But, considering how bad DH wanted to get pictures of Hoot on a camel and an elephant, at least it wasn't shot out of a cannon.
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