Summer Fair Ideas

Summer is here, and with it comes the excitement of planning and attending memorable summer fairs. Whether you're a PTA member or a community organiser, our blog has got you covered with innovative and engaging ideas for your next event.

Key Takeaways

Inflatable games and bouncy castles, classic carnival games and activities, fun water competitions or cool face painting and glitter tattoos are some of the fun and creative summer fair activities that can make your event more exciting.
To attract more visitors and raise money for your school PTA during summer fairs, consider adding eco-friendly elements like farm-to-table food stalls or seed planting stations to promote sustainability while entertaining attendees of all ages.
Live entertainment and music can also be a great addition to any summer fair event. Consider hiring local musicians or bands to perform on a stage or platform, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a live audience. Incorporate interactive shows like magic acts or jugglers which will keep guests engaged throughout the day.
When planning summer fair activities, it's important to prioritize safety by considering factors such as age-appropriate options that cater to all participants while ensuring safety guidelines are followed rigorously. Additionally, incorporating sun safety measures such as providing shade where possible or having sunscreen available helps protect children's skin during outdoor events.

Fun And Creative Summer Fair Activities

Get everyone excited with inflatable games and bouncy castles, classic carnival games and activities, fun water competitions or cool face painting and glitter tattoos; bring it all together with live entertainment and music.

Inflatable Games And Bouncy Castles

Inflatable games and bouncy castles are a must-have attraction for any successful summer fair. These exciting activities offer endless fun, appeal to both kids and adults alike, and can be a significant source of revenue.

When choosing the perfect inflatable games for your school's summer fete, consider factors such as age-appropriate options that cater to all participants and ensure safety guidelines are followed rigorously.

To maximise funds raised through these attractions, approach local businesses for sponsorship or work with suppliers who may offer discounted prices in return for promotion at the event.

Carnival Games And Activities

Carnival games and activities can provide an exciting and engaging atmosphere for guests at your summer fair. PTA members can consider incorporating the following amusements to delight attendees of all ages:

Hook a Duck: A classic game where participants use a rod with a hook to catch floating ducks in a pool, aiming to win prizes based on the number or special markings on the ducks.
Ring Toss: Players throw rings onto pegs or bottles, striving to successfully encircle their target to win points or prizes.
Sack Races: Children and adults alike can participate in this competitive and entertaining race, where participants climb into large sacks and hop towards the finish line.
Balloon Darts: Participants throw darts at balloons secured to a wall, with different coloured balloons representing various prize levels.
Tin Can Alley: Organise stacked tin cans in a pyramid formation, allowing players to knock them down using softballs or bean bags.
Nerf Target Shooting: Set up targets with point values for children (and even adults) to shoot at using Nerf guns, accumulating points for prizes.
Fortune Teller Booth: Invite a local fortune teller or tarot card reader to offer short readings for interested guests seeking insights into their future.
Coconut Shy: A traditional British fairground favourite, challenge participants to knock down coconuts off their stalls by throwing balls.

Incorporating these carnival games and activities will not only keep attendees entertained but also boost your fundraising efforts through participation fees or donations while fostering a strong sense of community during the event.

Water Games And Competitions

Water games and competitions are a fantastic addition to any summer fair, providing fun and engaging activities for children and adults alike. PTA members can consider incorporating the following water-based games into their summer fair plans:

Dunk tank: Invite teachers, school staff or community volunteers to get dunked by participants, raising funds and providing endless entertainment.
Water balloon toss: Pair up participants who must throw and catch water balloons without breaking them, gradually increasing the distance between each toss.
Slip 'n' slide races: Set up a long sheet of plastic with a sprinkler system or hose, encouraging kids to race each other down the slippery surface.
Wet sponge toss: Participants throw wet sponges at targets or designated volunteers while trying to achieve high scores or soak their opponents.
Water gun relay: Teams must fill up a bucket using only water squirters while racing against opposing teams.
Water Limbo: A fun twist on traditional limbo, using a stream of water instead of a pole for participants to dance under without getting wet.
Splash pad area: Create a dedicated space for younger children with small pools, sprinklers and age-appropriate water toys to ensure sun safety is maintained throughout the event.

Incorporating these exciting water games into your summer fair not only adds an element of novelty but also helps keep attendees cool during hot weather days—ensuring both kids and adults have an unforgettable experience at your summer fete.

Face Painting And Glitter Tattoos

Face painting is always popular at summer fairs and school fetes. Kids love getting their faces painted, and adults often join in too! There are a variety of designs to choose from - butterflies, superheroes, animals - or you can let your imagination run wild.

Glitter tattoos are also becoming increasingly popular at summer fairs. They're temporary and easy to apply, making them perfect for kids who want something that lasts longer than face paint but isn't permanent like a real tattoo.

It's important to think about sun safety when planning these activities as well.

Live Entertainment And Music

Live entertainment and music can be a great addition to any summer fair event. It creates an inviting atmosphere and appeals to people of all ages, making it a perfect way to bring the community together.

Consider hiring local musicians or bands to perform on a stage or platform, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a live audience.

You could also try incorporating interactive shows like magic acts or jugglers which will keep guests engaged throughout the day.

Fun fact: Did you know that schools often invite popular TV talent show contestants like The Voice Kids winner Sam Wilkinson and Britain's Got Talent contestants Twist & Pulse for live performances at summer fairs? They make excellent attractions without being too expensive for schools looking for affordable options.

Keywords: Live entertainment, Music, Summer fair event, Community together, Local musicians, Bands performing on stage/platforms, Interactive shows/performances, Attracting visitors

Popular And Innovative Summer Fair Stall Ideas

Some popular and innovative summer fair stall ideas include a cake and bake stall featuring sustainable and homemade treats, biscuit decorating stall with upcycled materials, farm-to-table food and drink vendors, eco-friendly fun activities such as seed planting and upcycled crafts, and a pre-loved fashion stall promoting sustainability and ethical fashion.

Cake And Bake Stall Featuring Sustainable And Homemade Treats

A cake and bake stall at a summer fair can be a popular choice for both adults and kids. To make it more attractive, consider adding sustainable and homemade treats to the menu.

Parents are often looking for healthier options for their children, so offering cakes or biscuits made with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup is a great idea.

To make your cakes extra special, why not decorate them using eco-friendly materials? For instance, instead of plastic decorations, you could use edible flowers or dried fruit as toppings.

It's also worth considering packaging - opting for biodegradable wrapping paper or selling baked goods without any packaging can reduce waste and contribute towards a more environmentally-conscious event.

Biscuit Decorating Stall With Upcycled Materials

Another popular and eco-friendly summer fair stall idea is a biscuit decorating station using upcycled materials. This stall allows children to get creative by decorating biscuits with icing, sprinkles, and other toppings.

Not only is it a fun activity, but it also promotes sustainability by reducing waste through the use of upcycled items such as paper plates and napkins. To make this stall even more unique, consider sourcing ingredients from local suppliers or using organic, sustainable products.

It's a great way to involve children in discussions about food ethics while keeping them entertained.

Farm-to-table Food And Drink Vendors

For a sustainable and ethical twist at your summer fair, consider inviting farm-to-table food and drink vendors. These stalls offer fresh, locally sourced produce that supports small businesses in the community.

You could have organic fruit smoothies, freshly baked sourdough bread with homemade jams, or even an artisanal cheese stall promoting British dairy farmers. Not only will these vendors showcase sustainable food practices but they will also add a unique touch to your event that attendees will love.

According to research related to summer fairs' facts and figures, incorporating eco-friendly elements can be very effective in attracting more visitors and raising more money for your school PTA.

Furthermore, adding exciting elements like farm-to-table food stalls will increase the chances of parents wanting to attend the fair with their children and potentially spend more time (and money) on other activities like games or raffles.

Eco-friendly Fun Activities Such As Seed Planting And Upcycled Crafts

Are you looking for innovative summer fair activities that are both fun and eco-friendly? Consider incorporating these ideas into your school summer fete:

Seed planting station: Invite children to plant their own seedlings in biodegradable pots made from recycled materials. This is a great opportunity to teach kids about sustainability and the importance of nurturing our planet.
Upcycled craft corner: Set up a booth featuring art supplies made from repurposed materials such as cardboard boxes, old newspapers, and scrap fabric. Encourage kids to let their creativity flow by making unique crafts while also promoting recycling.
Sustainable fashion show: Host a fashion show featuring pre-loved clothing donated by families in your school community. Not only is this an eco-friendly way to promote sustainable fashion, but it's also a fun activity for kids and parents alike.
Recycled paper-making workshop: Teach children how recycled paper is made by setting up a booth where they can create their own sheets of paper using shredded paper and water.
DIY bird feeders: Help children make bird feeders using empty milk cartons or plastic bottles. This activity promotes environmental awareness by encouraging kids to help feed local birds.

By including these eco-friendly activities in your school summer fair, you can not only provide fun experiences for children but also encourage them to become more environmentally conscious. Plus, these ideas may attract parents who are seeking out sustainable options for their families.

Pre-loved Fashion Stall Promoting Sustainability And Ethical Fashion

Supporting sustainable fashion is a hot topic at the moment, and there's no better way to incorporate this into your summer fair than through a pre-loved fashion stall.

Encourage parents and students to donate any clothes they no longer wear or need, then sort them by size and type before displaying them on a rail or table at the fair. Make sure all items are clean, ironed if necessary, and priced fairly.

You could even take it one step further by encouraging people to upcycle their own clothes with simple tutorials available on YouTube, Pinterest, or Instagram.

By showcasing these ideas at your stall alongside hand-sewn bags made from recycled material or jewellery craft workshops using upcycled buttons and fabric scraps, you'll encourage attendees to think about how they can reduce waste while still enjoying fashion.

Tips For Planning And Organizing A Successful Summer Fair

Budget carefully and plan logistics in advance, book vendors and suppliers early on, promote the fair to maximize attendance, consider health and safety protocols for a smooth operation, and effectively recruit and manage volunteers.

Budgeting And Logistics

Organising a summer fair can be an exciting but daunting task, especially when it comes to budgeting and logistics. Here are some tips to help you plan and manage this aspect of the event:

Set a realistic budget: It's important to determine how much money you have available for the summer fair and allocate funds accordingly. Be sure to include all necessary expenses such as venue hire, equipment rental, supplies, and staff costs.
Create a detailed plan: Map out the various elements of the fair, including stalls, activities and entertainment. Make sure that there is enough space for each item on your list and that you have accounted for any additional requirements such as electrical outlets or parking.
Source suppliers early: Book vendors and suppliers as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Make sure you get quotes from several different providers before making your final decision.
Delegate tasks appropriately: Assign different responsibilities to members of your team based on their strengths and expertise. For example, someone with experience in marketing could handle publicity while someone who is good with numbers could manage finances.
Keep track of expenses: Monitor your spending throughout the planning process and keep a record of all costs incurred. This will help you stay within your budget and make adjustments if necessary.
Consider fundraising options: Think about additional ways to raise money during the fair such as selling raffle tickets or charging a small fee for certain activities.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that the budgeting and logistics of your summer fair run smoothly so that everyone can enjoy this fun-filled event!

Booking Vendors And Suppliers

Booking vendors and suppliers for your summer fair can be a time-consuming task, but it's an essential aspect to make your event successful. Here are some tips to help streamline the process:

Start early: It's important to start searching for vendors and suppliers as early as possible. This will give you enough time to research and compare prices, availability, and services.
Research online: Look for local suppliers and vendors online. You can also use social media platforms to find reliable businesses that are available in your area.
Network: Look within your community and approach local businesses that might be interested in sponsoring or having a stall at your summer fair.
Get quotes: Ask for quotes from different suppliers and vendors so you can compare prices and services. Make sure to ask about any additional costs such as delivery fees or setup charges.
Have a contract: Once you have decided on a vendor or supplier, make sure you have a written contract outlining all the details of their services such as setup time, equipment required, payment terms, etc.
Health & Safety: Ensure that the suppliers/vendors meet the necessary health & safety guidelines before allowing them to take part in your summer fair.

By following these tips, you'll ensure that you book reliable and trustworthy vendors/suppliers while saving yourself both time and money in the long run. Remember, summer fairs are not only great fundraising opportunities but also provide an excellent chance for schools to build stronger connections with their local communities.

Marketing And Promotion

To ensure a successful summer fair, effective marketing and promotion is key. Here are some tips for getting the word out:

Start early: Begin promoting your summer fair at least a month before the event. This will give people plenty of time to plan, and increase the chances of them attending.
Use social media: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to spread the word about your summer fair. Create eye-catching graphics and use relevant hashtags to attract attention.
Flyer distribution: Distribute flyers in local shops, community centres and schools to reach a wider audience. Make sure to include all important details such as date, time and location of the event.
Advertise in local newspapers: Consider taking out an advertisement in your local newspaper or community magazine to further promote your summer fair.
Word of mouth: Encourage volunteers, parents and students to spread the word about your upcoming summer fair with friends, family and colleagues.
Involve external stallholders: Invite external stallholders such as food vendors or entertainers who can help promote the event on their own channels.

Remember that marketing is an ongoing process - keep reminding people about your event through regular updates on social media or flyers in popular areas throughout the lead-up period. By using multiple channels for promotion, you can ensure that word gets around effectively!

Health And Safety Considerations

Ensuring the safety of everyone attending your summer fair is a top priority. Here are some health and safety considerations to keep in mind:

Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment before the event, identifying potential hazards and taking steps to minimize their impact.
First Aid: Make sure a trained first aider is available on site throughout the event, with access to a well-stocked first aid kit.
Sun Safety: Incorporate sun safety into event planning by providing shade, sunscreen, and hats for attendees, especially children aged 4-7 and 7-11.
Food Hygiene: Ensure all food vendors follow proper food hygiene practices, such as using clean utensils and keeping food at the appropriate temperature.
Crowd Control: Plan for crowd control measures like fencing or barriers, particularly around high-risk areas like inflatable games or water activities.
Fire Safety: Have fire extinguishers readily available throughout the event space and ensure all electrical equipment is properly maintained.
Signage: Clearly display information about emergency procedures, location of first aid facilities, exits, and any potential hazards.

Remember that these are just some basic considerations – be sure to consult with local authorities and follow all relevant regulations to ensure a safe and successful summer fair.

Volunteer Recruitment And Management

Recruiting and managing volunteers is an essential part of planning a successful summer fair. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

Start recruiting early: Reach out to parents and community members well in advance of the event, so that they have time to plan their schedules accordingly.
Use online sign-up forms: Create an online form using tools such as SignUpGenius or Google Forms to make it easy for volunteers to sign up for specific shifts and activities.
Provide clear instructions: Make sure that volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities, including tasks such as setting up stalls, supervising children, and handling cash.
Offer incentives: Consider offering incentives such as free tickets or refreshments to encourage more people to volunteer.
Communicate regularly: Keep volunteers updated with regular emails or newsletters leading up to the event, including information about timing, parking and health & safety considerations.
Hold a volunteer briefing: Organise a briefing before the start of the fair to go over any last-minute changes or safety procedures, ensuring that all volunteers are aware of what's expected of them on the day.
Appreciate your volunteers: Show appreciation for your hardworking volunteers by thanking them at the end of the event in person or via email/letter.
Encourage return volunteering: Consider providing opportunities for feedback from your team members after the event, so you can continue improving volunteer retention year after year!

Remember - without dedicated helpers in place, many activities would not happen at all!

Summer Fair Themes And Additional Activities

Include unique and exciting themes to your summer fair like a beach party or carnival, and consider additional activities such as welly lob games with donations from local businesses, special events like temporary tattoos and fortune tellers, community building activities such as badge making and cardboard box decorating.

Welly Lob Game With Donations From Local Businesses

The welly lob game is a classic summer fair activity loved by both kids and adults. This game involves throwing a wellington boot as far as possible, with the person who throws the furthest winning a prize.

To make this game even more successful, consider getting donations of wellies from local businesses or asking parents to donate any old pairs they no longer need.

According to important facts about summer fairs, it's always good to incorporate sun safety into your event when dealing with children aged 4-7 and 7-11 years old.

You can provide sunscreen for the participants and also hats as part of their outfits while playing games including welly lob.

Special Events Such As Temporary Tattoos And Fortune Tellers

Another great way to add excitement to your school summer fair is by offering special events such as temporary tattoos and fortune tellers. Here are some tips to make them a success:

Temporary Tattoos: Kids love getting tattoos, especially ones that are temporary! You can hire professional tattoo artists or purchase temporary tattoo kits that are safe for kids. Provide a variety of designs, from popular characters to simple patterns so there's something for everyone.
Fortune Tellers: Adding a fortune teller booth can be both fun and intriguing for attendees. You can hire an experienced fortune teller or have volunteers dress up in costumes and provide readings. Just ensure that the booth is set up in a quiet area away from other attractions for maximum effect.

Remember that both of these activities involve contact with skin, so safety should always come first. Ensure materials used are hygienic, non-toxic, and child-friendly. Stay within budget by approaching parents who have experience in face painting or henna design; with minimal costs incurred, you may have more funds left for other exciting activities on offer at your fair.

Lastly, it's important to consider sun safety during the hot summer months. Encourage kids to wear sunscreen and hats while enjoying outdoor activities at the summer fair. By incorporating safety measures like this into your event planning and execution strategy, you'll create a positive atmosphere that engages kids and adults alike!

Raffle And Tombola With Small Prizes And Guess How Many Games

One classic way to raise money at summer fairs is through raffles and tombolas with small prizes. Guess how many games are also popular, and everyone loves the chance to win a prize! Here are some tips to make your raffle or tombola stand out:

Keep it simple: Make sure your rules are clear, and tickets or tokens are easy to purchase.
Get creative with prizes: Ask local businesses for donations or create themed prize baskets.
Don't forget about safety: Use numbered tickets and keep track of winners to ensure no one receives multiple prizes.
Encourage volunteers to bake: Raffles can also feature baked goods as prizes. Encourage volunteers to donate cakes and biscuits.
Wins a small prize: Ensure that every ticket holder wins a small prize.

Remember, the point of these games is to raise money for a good cause while keeping guests entertained.

Community Building Activities Such As Badge-making And Cardboard Box Decorating

Community building activities are a great way to bring families, children, and teachers together at summer fairs. Here are some ideas for community-building activities:

Badge-making: Provide children with materials to make their own badges, such as blank badges, stickers, markers, and glitter. This activity can encourage creativity and collaboration among peers.
Cardboard box decorating: Collect cardboard boxes of various sizes and allow children to decorate them using paint, markers, stickers or any other craft supplies you can source. Encourage them to create unique designs that showcase their personality. The decorated boxes can be used as storage or decorative pieces at home.
Plant potting: Ask a local gardener or gardening club to donate plant pots for the fair. Supply children with soil and seeds to pot their plants in the pots. This activity encourages green living and is a fun way of teaching kids about the importance of nature.
Upcycling station: Collect old clothes, fabric scraps or paper from your school's art room for this fair stall idea. Provide glue and scissors for attendees to create something new from upcycled materials.

Remember to provide ample supervision during these community-building activities while ensuring social distancing measures are in place. These projects are perfect for fostering a sense of community spirit among students, parents and teachers at your next summer fair!

Conclusion

In conclusion, hosting a summer fair is a great way to bring the community together and raise funds for your school. With so many fun and creative activities and stall ideas available, you're sure to have a successful event that everyone will enjoy.

Remember to plan ahead, budget carefully, and prioritize safety when organizing your fair.

FAQs:

1. What are some popular summer fair ideas?

Some popular summer fair ideas include inflatable attractions such as bounce houses or slides, classic carnival games like ring toss and beanbag throw, food stands offering items like cotton candy and hot dogs, and live entertainment such as musicians or street performers.

2. How can I make my summer fair stand out from others?

To make your summer fair stand out from the rest, you could incorporate unique features such as a themed event like a beach party or luau, interactive activities like photo booths or DIY craft stations, inviting local vendors to sell their products at your event. Additionally, promoting your fair through social media channels can help boost attendance by generating buzz online.

3. What should I consider when planning a summer fair?

When planning a summer fair it is important to consider factors such as location accessibility for attendees and vendors alike (indoor/outdoor), estimated turnout rate & budget amount allocated towards resources needed for set up/takedown procedures throughout duration of event - ensuring sufficient staff/ volunteers on hand for engaging with guests & proper cash handling procedures etc.

4. How can I ensure the safety of attendees at my summer fair?

To ensure attendee safety at your summer fair you should prioritize providing well-lit areas throughout venue where possible while monitoring guest behaviour closely (e.g., if drinking alcohol in designated areas) ensuring that ride operators are properly trained with emergency protocols in place if necessary – whether it’s storms rolling through unexpectedly or medical emergencies that may arise during busy periods- overall making sure all rides/ equipment being utilized meets required health/safety standards ahead of any public use.