How to have Fun Memorial Day Weekend on a Budget

   This upcoming weekend is the official start of summer for most people. Many will be heading down to the shore, dipping their feet in the ocean water for the very first time in months and shopping on the boardwalk. Many others, myself included, will be dreading the crippling heat and rising electric bill summer promises.

   Memorial Day, however, is the perfect holiday weekend to celebrate if you’re on a tight budget. There are lots of fun activities to do that won’t leave you pan-handling on the side of the highway come next Tuesday.
    Barbecuing or having a backyard picnic is a great way to enjoy the nice weather this weekend. Have each of your friends bring over something different, including food, plates, cups, soda, or chips. You can organize a game of horseshoes or touch-football to heighten the festivities.    
    If grilling isn’t your thing, then head down to the shore for Wildwood’s annual Kite Festival, which will be running May 22 through 25. The festival will begin this Friday with the “Unlocking of the Ocean Ceremony” which is staged at the beach near the Wildwood Convention Center. There will also be nightly kite shows that features illuminated kites of every color, shape and size. For more information,  visit http://bestofnj.com/2009/04/20/wildwood-kite-festival-may-22-23-24-25/.
    On Sunday, May 24, Delaware River Front Corporation will be hosting Delaware River Day at Penn’s Landing. Delaware River Day is a free event that will include enjoyable and interactive activities for the whole family! There will be free kayaking, life jack fitting, a fashion show featuring the latest trends in water gear, live musical entertainment, face-painting and much more!  Delaware River Day will run from noon to 6 p.m. For more information on Delaware River Day, visit http://www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com/index.php?module=delawareriverevents&image=49.
    What better way is there to finish your Memorial Day Weekend with a bang than a parade? The Port Richmond Parade will feature live music and hero Grand Marshal Walter Milewski, an Iraqi War Veteran and firefighter.
    So whether you decided to kayak, fly kites, or just lay around with the dog , try to enjoy yourself this weekend. You deserved it.