Added: 12/24/2005 |
Planning school carnival -a time honored traditionWhile planning school carnival one must remember that it is a valuable part of any successful student community. These events can be a great opportunity for schools. It gives parents and teachers a chance to mingle, relax and "let down their hair." It gives students the opportunity to look forward to and be involved in something "fun" at school. At many organizations, the school carnivals a time honored tradition- which offers great things both in the realm of community building as well as in the realm of fundraising!
During planning school carnival you will see all pros and cons of weekday carnivals versus weekend carnivals. School Carnivals held on a weekday (Monday thru Thursday) can be a lot cheaper to book rides and entertainment. But having a school carnival during the week can mean limited attendance depending on your community. Many families and students have commitments to various other sports, athletic, church, or civic groups during the week- you do not want these commitments keeping them from attending the carnival!
Weekend Carnivals are definitely more popular. Typically we see a lot of carnivals on Friday nights - this is a time when most families put aside to spend on family related outings and such. Some schools prefer planning school carnival on Saturdays, which can be a great choice as a Saturday offers a larger amount of time for you to be "open for business." This gives families who have commitments like soccer games opportunity to go to the carnival before or after the game.
Typically the schools hold their picnics any where from April thru July, Some schools have found fall carnivals to be extremely profitable as well, as during this time there are a lot less other events to be competing with. Clowns Services are busiest during the spring months- so if you are planning school carnival at that time, be sure to book well in advance.
You should have cotton Candy, Sno-cones, popcorn, and all that fun stuff! But you may want to consider more substantial food options than that. Providing meals can not only get your carnival crowd to stick around longer, but is also lends you opportunity to raise more funds.
If you choose to have the event catered, you don't have to worry about preparation or cleanup. The wonderful thing about carnival fare is that it can be very simple if you choose. Hot dogs and hamburgers are still the most popular dishes. But specially hired caterers can design many food selections for your event!
Keep the menu flexible enough to accommodate those with special needs.
In today's world many people are vegetarians. Muslims and Jews may not wish to eat pork. So having at least one non-pork and non-meat option is an excellent idea. If your event has a theme, your menu can reflect that.
Door prizes are a cherished idea at many schools. Door prizes/Baskets work both as added activity and as additional fundraising income. They also are a great reason for people to linger until the event is over! Prizes range from a certificate good for a dinner for two at a local restaurant, gift certificate at a local department store, a day off with pay, TV's, VCR's, gift baskets made by each class in the school, and even a free vacation.
For more school carnival ideas you can hit the Net forums and special carnival services sites.
Use your imagination- what is something that you know your guests will appreciate?
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