 | Cindi McCulley, partnering with her brother David Laughlin owns and operates Crimson Creek, a novelty and party supply store. Cindi grew up helping her grandparents run a novelty, and party supply store in Wichita. Between her, and her brother, they have a combined total of over 35 years experience in planning a wide variety of events, such as birthday parties, weddings, graduations, and youth group dinners at church. Cindi was born in Wichita, but now resides in Peck, Kansas. While in Wichita
Cindi attended Butler County Community College, and now oversees the daily
operations at Crimson Creek Novelties. She can be reached at (316) 264-2533 or visit them @ 222 N. Washington |
Specialty Gifts
2004-09-01 12:08:00
Cool creative carnival ideas
QUESTION: Every year our school has a fun night carnival to raise money. I have 6 children and I have been volunteering for the event for 8 years. We are out of new ideas for booths or themes. What can we do that is new and not the same old carnival?
ANSWER: Every school faces this dilemma. School carnivals have been around for decades. There is a lot to be said for the old carnival favorites, such as the cake walk, pie throwing, ring toss, fish ponds, face painting and the ever favorite tattoo booth. Of course everyone expects to eat there as well, so the old fashioned favorites of Sloppy Joes or Hot Dogs are always a great idea. Some ideas we have had for a successful school carnival are as follows:• A beanbag pit.. (fill a sandbox with small bags of dried beans for the kids to play in.)• Talent contests are always fun with top contestants receiving a ribbon or a small prize.• A chocolate booth is fun. Families can donate any homemade chocolate items, and share their favorite recipes.• Have a silent auction with donated items from stores or free meal coupons from local restaurants.• For the older kids, you can have a 'rent-a-kid' raffle where you have 3 or 4 students volunteer to be raffled off for an hour or 2 of work.• Lollipop trees are very popular. This is where you purchase a ticket to pull a lollipop off the tree, and then the color determines the prizes they can choose from.• A karaoke jail is lots of fun. One must buy a ticket to have someone arrested and put in a makeshift jail, then that person must either pay for 2 tickets or sing their way out. (The principle/vice principle and favorite teachers seem to end up in jail the most.)When searching for prizes for your booths, be sure to buy items by the dozens or the gross (144 items per package) to save money. Also make sure you have one or two people responsible for the prizes. Remember kids need to be responsible and learn what volunteer work consists of. If presented in a positive manner, kids love to help.A few popular themes to consider would be an Oktoberfest, Spooktacular Fun Night, Wizard of OZ, or a 60's or 70's theme where the best dressed character is awarded a prize. Remember, get as many donated items as possible, and buy in bulk as much as possible, as this is the best way to say money. Have a great carnival!
