Has anyone had one of these Carnival places come in and bring the games and bouncy blow up rides? The cost seems high to me but it's certain to bring in the kids. I just can't see making a profit! Anyone do this? The cost are min. to get them to come, but the profit split is very low, 80/20 on some attractions, after expenses I can't even see breaking even.

PattyK,

For our PlayDay in May we had blow-ups for the kids. The company we got them from was from out of town, which made no difference on their prices. For 6 blow-ups (1 water slide, 1 giant water slip-n-slide, 1 boxing ring, 1 jumping tent, 1 obstacle course and 1 bungee race) all day was $800.00. Our principal paid half out of her activity fund and our group paid the other half. And since it was for the school's PlayDay, the cost was on the one's paying. It actually worked out pretty well and the kids had a blast! We received many compliments from staff, parents and kids as this had never been done before at our school. If you'll be charging kids to use them, you may or may not break even though, depending on how much you're having to pay for them.

Good Luck!

Thanks Missyp.

This company brings everything. Since it's our first year I think we may need to start small and build bigger each year. The information you provided is helpful. Thanks!
Pattyk

Look around at your local groups. Ask around sometimes local police or child base group might beble to help you find someone who willgive you a better price or even for free. Ask the company if they can make a deal. For our carnival we pay for one and get one free. They just mark it as a donation for their company. Call your local and surrounding area party supply houses they also may have someone who will give you a better price.
As for games see if your local area hardware place will donate supplies for games. Rhode island cataloge has great prices on prizes and game supplies.
www.rinovelty.com have fun let me know how it goes. We are getting ready for our annual carnival.

We are a new school and we will be having our first "Spring Fling" at the end of February. Can anyone tell me how they handled counting the money. I am looking for some efficient ways of counting, and depositing.

From a controls point-of-view, I'm a big fan of having dollars exchanged in only one spot (minimum two adult volunteers at this spot at all times) and using a tickets system for all purchases (food, games, rides) throughout the carnival.

Example: Bouncy house = 4 tickets. Soda = 2 tickets. Pony ride = 8 tickets.

And folks can buy rolls of tickets at the one table (at whatever price you set per ticket).

Tim