Do It Yourself School Carnivals

School carnivals can be fun and profitable at the same time.

Even when tax revenues are flush and state funding for education is flowing freely, school carnivals often bridge the gap to cover items like team uniforms, computer equipment for classrooms and other "extras" that can make one school stand out from the rest. Parent volunteers are crucial in the planning and execution of a successful carnival for any school.

Instructions

1. Line up a date for your school carnival with campus and district administration. You don't want to conflict with other events on campus, and you want the district to have plenty of time to promote the big day.

2. Develop a list of committees, or at least individuals, to help out with specific areas of planning the carnival, so that you can delegate authority and organize the entire event effectively. Committees might include games, arts and crafts, tickets, sponsorships, food and beverage, and communication.

3. Get the word out regarding the carnival. Send flyers home with students, put the event on your school's home page, use the school phone tree to call each parent and add the event to the district's schedule of events.

4. Get your tickets printed well in advance (at least 60 to 90 days), so that you can start selling them well ahead of the event. Have a student contest that rewards the student who can sell the most tickets.

5. Stay on top of your committee chairs (or the individuals in charge of each area of the event). If the sponsorship committee is having a tough time lining up a free soda fountain for the drink stand, find ways to connect that committee with interested providers. Help each committee come up with a specific time line for preparing for the carnival, and hold the committee accountable by following up frequently.

References

• Volunteer Spot: Fabulously Fun School Carnival Ideas
• Kirksey Amusements: School Fundraising
• QA Bounce Pro: School Carnival Planning Tips and Ideas