Cheap and free in K-Town

This week while guesting on Kingston's K-Rock 105.7, Darryl Kornicky, Tony Orr and I discussed the fact that in the U.S., dog and cat food banks are popping up because people can't take care of their animals once they've lost their jobs. In Kingston, Ont., our own food bank, Partners in Mission, will help struggling families with pet food if they ask for the help.
In recognition of this sucking recession which sucked away my job as a newspaper editor, I've compiled a few tips for you to save a few bucks.
Post 'em if you've got them.


Cheap and Free in Kingston
1. Playtrium Gym for kids: Half price admission on Thursdays. www.playtrium.ca
2. Agnes Etherington Art Centre on Queen's campus: Children, students free. All admissions free on Thursdays. www.aeac.ca
3. Kingston Canadian Film Festival's Building “The Border”, a seminar-style event featuring Peter Raymont, David Barlow, Graham Abbey and Jonas Chernick from CBC TV’s popular series The Border. Building “The Border” is a free event and advance registration is not required. The event takes place Sunday March 1, 11:00 am at Etherington Auditorium on Stuart Street. www.kingcanfilmfest.com.
4. The Screening Room, which shows indie movies, has $5.25 tickets on Tuesday nights. (A couple bucks cheaper than the bigger theatres!). www.moviesinkingston.com
5. Free public skating at Wally Elmer until March 21 throughout the week. Check for times. http://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/arenas/wally/icepad.asp
March 16, 2009 to March 20, 2009
6. Play with snakes: Little Ray's Reptiles. See, touch and learn about all kinds of exotic species like giant snakes, lizards, turtles, spiders, and even an American alligator named Crusher. March 16 to 20 at the Frontenac Mall. http://www.whatsonkingston.com/shopping/frontenac/index.cfm
7. Free parking at S&R Department Store in downtown Kingston.
8. Free movie rentals (and books, of course) from Kingston Frontenac Public Library. They have hit TV series, too!
9. Free instrument rentals from the Joe Chithalen Music Lending Library.
10. Get passes to go to Kingston museums (like the Hockey Hall of Fame) from the Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Just like books, you check 'em in and out. Free! Visit www.kfpl.ca/ for details.
11. Children get a free cookie at the Kingston Centre Loblaws bakery section. Sarah Crosbie's son looooves it. (She'd like a free cookie, too).
12. Free leisure swim at the Kingston YMCA on Sundays from 1:15 to 5 p.m., sponsored by the City of Kingston.
13. Free skating in Market Square, behind City Hall, 216 Ontario St.; also at rinks at City parks around the city.
14. Grades 5 and 10 Physical Activity Pass. This program offers free access to community recreation centres for all grade 5 and 10 students in the KFL&A area. Designed to promote an active lifestyle, the Grade 5 and 10 Physical Activity Pass is organized by Kingston Gets Active, KFL&A Public Health, and area school boards. http://www.kflapublichealth.ca
15. Union Gallery in Stauffer Library on Queen's University campus has no admission fee.
16. Games night at Starbucks on Barrie Street. Every Friday night at 8 p.m.
17. Minotaur on Princess Street hosts a game night on Wednesday and Sunday.