Our HOA is having a Fall Festival next week. I recently signed on their social committee, so I want to come to the planning meeting with some fun/unique ideas. Other HOA events have had face-painting, nachos, bounce houses, etc. Does your community do anything that stands out? Or, maybe some schools that have fun Fall Festival activites. I'm not sure of the budget yet, but free is always good!
we have all of the listed as well as a costume contest, pumpkin carving contest. Everyone brings there pumpkin already decorated and then we judge-- for a time filler have everyone bring a small pumpkin and decorate it.
pinata, cake walk, candy jar guessing game (w/ candy corn)
I decided to do a cake walk at my former school where I taught. It was a really big hit! Six years later, parents are still talking about it and it's still a keeper.
Our HOA has a festival in the fall with a local band playing live music, Dickey's BBQ, hot dogs, chips, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones etc. Each family brings their own cooler with drinks, chairs, blankets, etc.
We have it in the park on a street which has little traffic.
As for kids, face painting, bounce houses, rock wall, sometimes a petting zoo, train rides.
It starts about 3:30 and ends whenever everyone leaves. Great time and social event here.
EDIT: as for manning the activities, YES that is important. When looking for volunteers...check the middle school. My daughter is a candidate for National JR Honor Society and they HAVE to complete 24 hrs of volunteer service. SHe had a meeting yesterday and there were 3 neighborhoods listed who were looking for help. THe students who help....get credit for the hours. Works great for everyone!!
Have fun!
We have bounce houses, face painting, and a petting zoo usually. We also cook out hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, etc. Odd number houses bring desserts and even numbers bring a side dish or chips, etc.
My suggestion is just make sure its orgonized instead of a free for all at the activities... I went to an HOA event and there was no one manning hte bounce house and several parents had to step up just to make sure no one got hurt it was mayhem...
Have fun
A. J
