Fund Raising with a Dunk Tank
Trying to figure out a good fund raiser for your school or organization? Have you considered having a Dunk Tank?
Because of the Arizona’s year round sunny weather, Arizona is the perfect place for all sorts of wet events. Dunk Tanks are a great for fund raisers. Have one by itself or use one in conjunction with another event such as a car wash or a fair. Patrons pay for a chance to throw the ball and dunk a person in the tank.
So who should you dunk? Depends. The more well known, loved or hated, the person is, the more people will want the chance to get them wet. You can also have multiple people taking turns getting dunked, especially if your event is over an extended amount of time. For instance, if the dunk tank is raising funds for a sports team, you could have each of the team members and the coach take turns in the tank.
If you want to conserve water, consider having a balloon splash or a silly shower. Both options work similarly to a dunk tank in that someone gets very wet.
As fun as it is to throw the ball and dunk the person in the tank, if it is a warm day, you might find people want a chance to get dunked too. Dunk tanks are lots of good wet fun!
Host a Solo Art Show or Booth
If you are an artist, at some point in time you will probably want to put your work on display. You can sell your work online or place your work in galleries. Another possibility is to host your own art show or have a artist’s booth at an event.
The first thing to consider is where you want to hold the show. Perhaps the simplest solution is to rent a gallery since they are already set up to hold artwork. If you are a painter, photographer, or other artist working in 2-D media, you can hang your work on the walls and be done with it. Sculptors will probably need pedestals for their work which the gallery may or may not provide.
If you are getting a booth at an event or hanging your work in a venue which does not ordinarily host art shows, you may have to get more creative with your display solutions. If the work is being shown outdoors, you will probably want to tent your display to avoid having your work get damaged by the elements. For outdoor events, pick a tent with removable fabric walls to provide additional protection for your work in case of inclement weather or wind.
Wherever you display your work, you can use traditional easels to display paintings and other 2-D creations or you can get creative and build modified easels to show multiple works in one space. For a more professional look, you can purchase, build, or rent display panels to hang your work. Sculptures can be displayed on pedestals regardless of the venue and shelves and tables can also be used. Just be sure the artwork is displayed in an attractive matter since the visual appeal is what will sell the work.
In an ideal world, patrons would just show up to an opening, however, publicity is generally necessary to get people to come to any event. If you are hanging your work at a well publicized event, a lot of the advertising work is being done for you. Regardless it is still smart to notify any past clients and fans of your work. If you have a Facebook page, a Yahoo group, or an email list, make use of them to publicize your event. For a more personal touch, you can also send written invitations, fliers, or post cards in the mail. A magazine or newspaper ad may be a good idea as well if the budget allows. While you can never promote any event too much, keep in mind the more you spend on an event, the higher your break even sales number will be.
On the day of the event, offering appetizers and beverages can be an additional draw. It is traditional for galleries to serve patrons wine at openings, but if the liquor laws prohibit serving wine at your event, consider sparkling cider instead. Keep in mind that with any food and beverages around artwork there is always the risk of an accidental spill.
Be sure to collect contact information from the people who come to your event. You can put out a guest book or have a raffle for a piece of art or other in demand item. Raffles tend to get more names and numbers because everyone wants something for nothing. It’s also a good idea to have business cards, fliers, or other take away promotional material so interested parties can contact you about work after the event.
If the event is a multi-day function, security may be a concern. If the facility is not secure enough to leave your work unsupervised, consider taking the art down at the end of each day and putting it up each morning. A locking trailer or a security fence may also be a solution. Regardless of the precautions you take, there is always the possibility that work may be damaged or stolen during a show. You might want to consider investing in show insurance for your work if it is particularly valuable.
The goal of most art shows is to either gain sales or commissions, but not every show will have immediate results. After your show ends, consider what was successful and what could be improved for the next show. Send a note to any contacts you garnered at the show thanking them for visiting and giving them your contact and web information. Be sure to add new contacts to your database of people to send studio updates and show invitations. Each show should build on the previous show to help garner sales, commissions, and publicity.
Have a Western Bash
Always dreamed of being a cowboy? Why not put a western theme on your party?
At AZ Party Rents, we have all kinds of great western party rental options- and we serve the entire Phoenix area!
Start by picking the location. Nothing says West like the Arizona outdoors. Consider renting space on a ranch or at the fairgrounds. Pretty much any venue you can be around real horses and cattle will add to your event. You might even want to arrange for horseback riding to be included in your party. Rawhide Western Town in Chandler is one great setting for western events. Fort McDowell Adventures in Fort McDowell also offers western settings for events.
If your party is taking place in an authentic looking location, your decorating work is half done. However, you can add a western feel to any event with the right décor. Straw bales make great benches and piled up you can use them as tables too. Put an old Western saddle, assorted western tack, ropes, and a bull skull around for an extra touch of the west. If your event is indoors, landscapes and Western paintings, prints, or posters in rustic frames make nice wall decorations.
Pick a country or folk music group or songs that fit the atmosphere. You might hire a singer guitarist or a banjo player. With the right music, you can turn your party into a barn dance whether or not you are using an actual barn (a barn makes a great setting for a western event by the way).
For entertainment consider having a mechanical bull, a much safer alternative to riding a real rodeo bull. Another great inflatable for western parties is the Wild West Obstacle Course.
Put together a menu with Western inspired entrees. Steak, hamburgers, corn, and beans are good choices for the menu or you can serve Southwest and Mexican food. If the event is outdoors make it a barbecue or even better cook the meal over an open flame with s’mores for desert. If you are hiring a caterer, discuss the options they offer that will compliment your western event.
Be sure your invitations or promotions make it clear that your event is a Western event so guests can come dressed for the occasion in their boots and cowboy hats. You might have a few extra hats on hand for anyone who forgot their hat.
Events Unlimited
Events Unlimited is a premiere event planning, production, and event entertainment provider.
If you find yourself planning an event, any event count on Events Unlimited. They are the leading provider of special event needs. They have a broad variety of event support, infrastructure, and management solutions, and are focused on providing cutting edge entertainment solutions.
With a name like Events Unlimited, they will help you with all your event needs.
Events Unlimited- literally. Here are just a few things they can do:
Tents, Tables, Chairs, and all your party rental needs. Inflatable Games, Audio-Visual, Entertainment acts, Amusement programs, and more. Also event power, temporary sanitation, garbage and recycling management, and just about everything else you need. They are event producers, who are interested in providing interactive event solutions which engage event guests and patrons. They are precise planners, who take special measurements to ensure proper crowd flow, comfortable shelter, and make intelligent educated decisions to ensure a successful event. Events Unlimited in house production crews can handle all your event needs, and will work with you to make sure every detail of the event is professionally managed.
Events Unlimited – A complete concept in event management.
With the industry’s largest variety of services and experience with hands on event implementation solutions, Events Unlimited provides complete management and planning services for special events of all shapes and sizes. They also help with party rentals, catering solutions, and will work hard to ensure the success of each and every special event.
Cotton Candy Anytime
One of my favorite parts of going to the circus as a kid was getting a big pink container of cotton candy. Thinking about it still brings up happy memories of my childhood.
Cotton candy is a delicious treat to sell at a circus or a carnival, but you don’t need to host the circus to rent a cotton candy machine (though you can). You can rent a cotton candy machine for any event. Imagine how happy the kids will be if you serve them fresh cotton candy at a birthday party or a picnic?
So next time you are planning an event and want to add a little something extra for the kids or the young at heart, consider renting a cotton candy machine. After all, life is the biggest circus of all.
Sports Team Party
Whether or not the kids won the big game, having a party for your sports team can be a lot of fun.
When and where are you going to hold the party? If the team plays at a park, you might be able to hold your party at the same park right after the game. This can make things simpler since everyone is already there. On the other hand, the kids and adults are likely to be tired after the game, so you might decide you want to hold the party at a different time or at a location where you can have someone else do most of the work.
If you are holding the party at a park or another location with some space, you could consider getting inflatables or games for your event. Some fun options include football games, the Full Court Press basketball game, Batter Up baseball game, Soccer Fever soccer game, the rock climbing wall, Putting Challenge golf, or mini golf.
Pizza is a popular choice for food after a game because it is easy. Pizza can be picked up or delivered for events, or to make things really simple you can have your party at the pizza place. Many pizza places offer large tables or party rooms, and some also have arcades and other entertainment.
Another simple and popular food options is sub sandwiches. You can get large sandwiches and cut them up to a crowd. If you want to have a barbecue, hamburgers and chicken breasts. If you are having a picnic, consider making it pot luck so everyone contributes to the food. You can get a large sheet cake or cookies for desert or if your party is not at meal time, that just serve a cake or cookies. Ice cream parlors are popular stops for small team celebrations. If you want to have ice cream at the park, you can rent a soft serve ice cream machine. Whatever food you decide to serve, don’t forget to bring drinks as sports players are bound to be thirsty after a game.
Pick out sports themed table clothes, plates, balloons, and other items at your local party or dollar store. If you know who you are giving them too, the party might be a good place to give out end of season certificates and awards as well. You can pick up inexpensive certificates and awards or make your own. If the team includes younger athletes, be sure not to leave anyone out. This might also be a good time to take team photos.
Whatever you decide to do, sports team parties can be a lot of fun. After all, when you have a party everyone is a winner!
Rodeo Fun 2012
Rodeos are synonymous with the West and Arizona has quite a few throughout the year. If you are someone who loves to go to the rodeo, there are plenty of rodeos to go to in the state. Here are some of the rodeos and related events taking place in Arizona in 2012.
Apache Junction
February 23-26, 2012
48th Annual Lost Dutchman Days Open Rodeo
888-757-6336
AJ Rodeo Grounds, Apache Junction
Rodeo with bronc and bull riding, roping, steer wrestling, and more.
Cave Creek
March 28-April 1, 2012
Cave Creek Fiesta Days Rodeo
480-488-4043
37201 N. 28th St, Cave Creek
Rodeo with a parade.
Chandler
March 3, 2012
Arizona Black Rodeo
602-550-0034
Rawhide Western Town, 5700 West North Loop Road, Chandler
African American Rodeo.
Cottonwood
May 2 – 6, 2012
Verde Valley Fair and Rodeo
928-634-3290
800 E. Cherry Street, Cottonwood
Fair and rodeo.
Flagstaff
September 25, 2012
Pine Country Pro Rodeo
Fort Tuthill Cococino County Fairgrounds, Fort Tuthill County Park, Exit 337 off I-17, Flagstaff
Rodeo with barrel racing bronc riding, bull riding, clowns, chuck wagons, and more.
Gila Bend
February 18 & 19, 2012
Butterfield Stage Days
928-420-1964
Gila Bend Rodeo Grounds, Gila Bend
Rodeo with roping, barrel racing, a wild horse race, and a parade.
Glendale
March 17-18, 2012
Glendale Invitational
623-772-3200
Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale
Professional Bull Riding
Globe
May 12 – 13, 2012
Copper Dust Stampede
718 E Homestead Ave, Globe
Rodeo with an Old West reenactment group and a dance.
Holbrook
September 12-16
Navajo County Fair and Rodeo
928-524-4757
404 E. Hopi Drive, Holbrook
Fair and rodeo
Page
September 1-2, 2012
Lake Powell Stampede Rodeo
520-645-2741
Lake Powell Rodeo Arena and Fairgrounds
Rodeo with bull and bronc riding, barrel racing, team roping, and more.
Payson
August 16-19, 2012
World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo
928-474-9440
Payson Event Center, Payson
Annual Arizona Rodeo since 1879 with a parade and a dance.
Sacaton
March 24-25, 2012
Round Up Rodeo
480-789-7162
Mul-Chu-Tha Fair and Rodeo, Bluebird Road, Sacaton
Native American Rodeo
Scottsdale
Feb 10-11, 2012
Hashknife Pony Express
480-990-3179
16601 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale
Riders cover 200 miles of Pony Express Trails. See them ride into Scottsdale February 10 followed by a parade February 11.
March 2-4, 2012
Annual Parada del Sol
480-990-3179
16601 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale
Pro-rodeo with bull riding.
Sonoita
September 1- 3, 2012
Sonoita Labor Day Rodeo
520-455-5553
3142 S. Highway 83, Sonoita
Rodeo with wild horse race, barrel racing, roping, bronc and bull riding, steer wrestling, and more.
St. Johns
September 8, 2012
Apache County Fair and Rodeo
Apache County Fairgrounds, St. Johns
Native American rodeo.
Wickenburg
February 16 – 19, 2012
64th Annual Gold Rush Days Rodeo
Everett Bowman Arena, Wickenburg
Rodeo with a parade and carnival
Williams
August 8, 2012
Northern Arizona Working Ranch Rodeo
928-567-9223
Williams Rodeo Grounds, Williams
Rodeo with a wild horse race, wild cow milking, bronc and steer riding, calf roping, team tying, and more.
Wilcox
TBA September/ October
Rex Allen Days Rodeo
520-384-2272
Wilcox
Rodeo with bronc and bull riding, roping, barrel racing, and a parade.
Want rodeo fun and when there isn’t a rodeo handy? Always wanted to ride the bulls? Rent a mechanical bull for your event and you can ride the bull yourself- in relative safety.
Powering up your Party with a Generator
So many things require electricity. If you want to have inflatables at your party, you need to plug in your pump. Want music? The DJ needs to power their equipment somehow. How about food? Warmers and coolers are probably going to have to plug in. Need lights? Without electricity, those evening events are likely get pretty dark.
Many venues have power stations available, but it is a good idea to double check and make sure that there is sufficient power and that the power is accessible. Will you need extension chords to get to the power source and can you use extension chords safely? Are there battery or alternative power options you can consider, for instance using a gas or charcoal grill instead of an electric one?
If your venue does not have the power you need for an event, there is an easy solution. Rent a generator! AZ Party Rents has all sorts of generators available to rent for events.
So power up your party… Turn up the music and turn on the lights!
Pirate Party Planning
Have a birthday kid that loves pirates? Why not plan a pirate party?
Arizona might not be the natural choice for a pirate- the sea is a long way away. But that shouldn’t stop your from putting together a great party with a pirate theme.
Any pirate worth his gold needs a ship. The SS Buccaneer is the perfect ship for a pirate party. Not only does it provide a great visual, party goers will have a great time playing inside with stairs to climb and a slide. Another great pirate themed inflatable is the Treasure of the Caribbean which has obstacles, climbing stairs, and a slide.
If your event venue cannot accommodate an inflatable ship, you can also purchase or make a cardboard pirate ship. Decorating the ship can be a fun party activity.
Send out pirate themed invitations and make sure to mention that the kids should come dressed up as pirates. Have pirate hats, scarves, eye patches, and hooks on hand in case anyone does not have pirate gear to wear so no one feels left out.
Visit the Dollar Store, a party store, or a craft store to get pirate themed paper plates, napkins, decorations, and party favors. Get a treasure chest for the party favors.
Foam swords make great party favors. Give them to the kids early on in the party so they can sword fight with them. Just make sure that no one gets too rough with all the swashbuckling fun.
Purchase or make a pirate themed cake. You can get a cake pan that is shaped like a pirate ship and use plastic pirate figures or you can make a large cake, decorate it with blue frosting like the sea and put a plastic pirate ship on top.
If you want to play a movie during your party, there are many pirate movies available. For the younger crowd consider screening Muppet Treasure Island. Older kids might enjoy the Goonies, Cutthroat Island, or Pirates of the Caribbean.
Garr Matey! Having a Pirate Party should be lots of jolly good fun!
Having a Princess Party
Having a party for a princess? A princess theme can be a fun way to make the party extra special.
Every princess dreams of her own castle. If you have the budget, you can use a castle as your party venue. The Castle at Ashley Manor is a gorgeous castle located in Chandler, Arizona that is an extraordinary venue for events. The King’s Courtyard in Phoenix is a Renaissance themed venue complete with castle and costumed entertainers that makes a terrific venue for a princess party.
If renting a real castle is not a realistic option for your event, consider renting a Princess Bounce House. This is the perfect castle for kid’s birthday parties and provides great entertainment along with being a fun piece of décor. The Princess 4 in 1 and the Excalibur 4 in 1 Combo Units are other options which includes bounce space, climbing space, a slide, and a basketball hoop.
You can also buy a cardboard or plastic castle for the kids to play in, put up a castle backdrop, or make your own castle if you are particularly handy. If you are having a castle that the kids can play inside, make sure it is large enough so no one gets left out of the castle play.
Pick princess themed invitations and decorations for your party. Make sure that the invitation lets the guests know that there is a princess theme. You may consider having princess dresses, tiaras, and hats for the kids to dress up in. If you are expecting any boys, consider having prince or knight costumes for them as well.
A fun activity for a princess party is decorating princess tiaras. You can purchase tiara making kits or make your own out of cardstock. Check the Dollar Store, party stores, and your local craft store for princess decorations, dining ware, table cloths, crafts, wrapping paper, and party favors.
Make the party food on a princess theme. Use a castle cake mold to make the cake shaped like a castle or make cupcakes and decorate with plastic princess figures. If you are not making the cake, have the bakery decorate on a princess theme.
Once everything is ready treat your princess and guests like royalty and have a great party.
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