Festival Food Question

[Lady Mama]

My 10 yr. old daughter will be going to the Festival with a school group. They will be at the Festival all day into the evening. How much money should I send with her for food and beverages, thinking she'll eat two meals and probably a couple of snacks. One of the leaders said $30 was enough, do you think that's accurate? Is there somewhere they can get free water?

Also, how pricey are souviners?

Thank you for your help!!!

[Lady L]

Are they going on Festival Friday? That is a day for school groups. Not as many food booths are open and none of the traveler's shops are open that day.

If they are going on a Sat. or Sun., then there is quite a menu to choose from.

[Lady Mama]

They are going on a Saturday. It's the scout group that meets at their school.

[naetuir]

Well. That's probably enough to be fed appropriately and stay hydrated for the day.

Most items for food are around 5-7 dollars, and water is somewhere between 2-3 per glass. Assuming three glasses will be enough to stay hydrated (fest is notorious for dehydrating a person), and one meal, you're looking at around 15 dollars or so. Another 15 for a small souvenir would work. Depends on the type. Shirts usually run closer to 20-25, and the ceramic fest mugs can head upwards of 40 in and of themselves.

[MissBubu]

If she is going with a group, do they have access to food books?

[Lady Mama]

What is a food book?

Thanks for your help, everyone!

[Ferret]

She should be well fed for $30.

I don't know your budget, but I would send an extra $20 with for emergencies.

As a child I knew what it was like to be somewhere and run out of money half way through the day.
Ferret

[groomporter]

What is a food book?

It's a booklet of tickets that can be used only for buying food. If I recall there's a slight discount based on the face value, but unless you're really careful you end up with some extra tickets at the end of the day because things are not necessarily priced an even number of tickets.

[Kiss-me-Kate]

If it were me, I would send at least fifty, probably more, with strict instructions that you expect change back.
In warm weather, being thrifty doesn't pay.   Sending extra money with is a lot cheaper than an ER visit for heat stroke.

As Ferret said, it sucks being out of money and the day isn't half over yet.   

Another suggestion would be to have her join Fest Friends.  They charge a per day fee, and the water and lemonade is free then.  And she can sit and rest in the shade for a moment or two.

Also, have her bring a reusable water bottle that hooks to her person -i.e belt loop etc.

Also, make sure to load on the sunscreen.  I can't believe how many children I see out there burnt to a crisp because their parent flaked on sunscreen.