We had similar problems. We went with an event planning company that provided the game booths (10 booths @ $150/booth) includes set up/take down. We also went with In-n-Out truck to cut out all parent volunteers for cooking/food service...plus it is quite an attraction itself. We wanted to keep expenses to a minimum for families so we charged $10 for a family of 5 (wristbands) plus they had to pay for any food. Band came to sell snowcones and we ran a bake sale in addition to In-n-out. So the only volunteers needed were to run the 10 game booths plus the ticket booth and bake sale...way, way less than needed in the past. Huge turn out and lots of happy parents/students. Oh...we also scored a jump house and rock climbing wall (which came with their own volunteers to run them) as we found out a parent runs a summer camp and had the equipment. Normally he rents it out for events but we traded a banner in the MPR which normally costs sponsors in exchange for his "donation of services." Put the word out in community to see what is available. If your school normally sells banner space or ad space, your administration might be willing to work with you to make a deal!

Hey everyone,

We are building up our Carnival and Fall Festival Ideas on our Pinterest page. Check it out!! -- I hope it gives you some fun ideas!

And you have any carnival photos on Pinterest, let me know! Would love to repin them!

pinterest.com/ptotoday/carnival-and-fall-festival-ideas/

Rose C.
Community Manager

Our school is hosting a halloween hallway - not too spooky.

Would love any info on planning from a-z. What kids can help with or create?

If your school has a haunted house/room - how did you decorate it? black plastic or painted cardboard?

We're thinking of themed areas such as a cemetary, witches room. thriller room, fortune teller, mad lab, etc.

Would so appreciate any type of time line or planning guide.

Thanks!

I see some of you are saying that you stay away from the games due to lack of help. Have any of you tried calling the local high school. There are Juniors and Seniors who need/want community service hours for their college applications or may even be a requirement for ROTC class.

Our school district has decided to band together and although we all still have our own PTO we hold monthly district wide PTO meeting as well. This works well with helping with ideas and now we are cross volunteering. We are going to attend thier events and help them and in return they are going to help us as well. This might be something for others to look into also

Hi mamain06,
Thanks for sharing that! Love the idea of "cross volunteering,'' and I'm sure other schools would be interested in it!

Thanks,
Rose C.
Community Manager