We buy ours by the gallon at either a local restaurant supply or concession/snack stand supply company. The concession/snack company tends to carry more food and less equipment. The restaurant supply place (we've used AceMart also) is more the equipment and dishes, but they have an area with concession equipment and supplies that include popcorn, snowcone syrup, and cotton candy mix.

Some people make their own out of a mixture of sugar, water, and Kool-Aid. Here's one example but you can search the internet and find other variations. (I never tried this route.)

Basic Snow Cone Syrup
1 Kool-Aid packet (powdered drink mix)
4 cups of sugar
4 cups of water

Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Allow to boil for 1 minute. Cool completely prior to use. Store in a airtight container.

Great question...I was in the same boat last year..ordering with a company and pay triple on the syrup..We now just buy it through a local restaurant supply company called Acemart Restaurant and Supply..which there is several in the Dallas area...They are so cheap on their syrup..but, check phone book or google online they might be called something different in your area.