How to Have a Raking Party

If leaves have taken over your property and the task of raking them all yourself seems daunting, try having a raking party. It's fun, doesn't cost much and will have your yard clean and leaf-free in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• phone
• burning permit if you live in town
• hot dog roast supplies
• tarp or old blanket

1. 

   First, start calling your friends and family. Let them know that you are having a raking party and that it is sure to be a great time and they will get tons of exercise. Ask those who can attend to bring a rake and a lawn chair.

2. Start the raking party by getting everyone to rake your yard, section by section. This doesn't take long if there are a lot involved. Fill a tarp or old blanket with the leaves and drag it to a place where you can burn the leaves.

3. 

   After the yard is raked, get out the hot dogs and s' more ingredients. Set up TV. trays outside and set all the supplies on it and have a cooler for drinks. Set up the chairs and have everyone gather around the leaf pile.

4. 

   Start the bonfire and cook the hotdogs and marshmallows on sticks or use store bought bonfire cooking tools. Wire hangers are also good for roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. Start eating and tell ghost stories or let everyone tell their favorite story about fall.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have enough food for everyone invited. Have a little extra for the hotdogs that will fall in the fire. It will happen.
• Don't have a bonfire on a dry or windy day. Make sure you get a burn permit if you are in city limits or if your subdivision requires you to do so.
• Have your bonfire away from trees and buildings. A large open space is best.
• Watch children closely if they are at your raking party bonfire. Don't let them get too close to the fire and make sure small children do not eat marshmallows (they are a choking hazard).

[BodyLogique]

on 11/18/2008 What a novel idea! I am going to do this-my yard is huge and this is a good way to get it done and have a fun too! Thank you!

[hopekee]

on 11/11/2008 We just got a fire pit and we have tons of leaves... sounds like I have some calls to make!

[Vanillatte]

on 11/10/2008 Excellent!Turn a job into a party. Love the idea!

[klnygaard]

on 11/10/2008 good article--Here is invitation to all to come to my raking party--PLEASE_I ABSOLUTELY HATE RAKing :)

[cadence]

on 11/10/2008 This is a great & fun idea!