KMAMOM: In answer to your questions (I'm just rereading the thread as I'm collecting the ideas and putting them on paper):

The first thing one has to realize about running a successful catalog sale is that there is more to it than just sending home catalogs in backpacks. The type of catalog, the prices in the catalog, the reputation of the vendor being used, the design of the info pack being sent home, the letters to the parents: All these things and more come into play even before you have the Kick-Off Assembly! Our vendor is here in AZ, and while not local (3 1/2 hours away), he provides such a great service that it seems as though he is local. He makes several trips up to us, not just for the Kick Off Assembly. Him, his wife, his secretary Char are what I definately consider professionals as well as friends. The brochure has prices from $5 to about $35 (and all pricing is done in whole dollars which is really the best way to go, at least in my experience); carries a lot of items made in and for AZ; other items include brand names like Spongebob, Disney, etc.: food items include chocolates and cold-pack cheeses; there is the inevitable wrapping paper and tissue stuff; and so many more goodies. The vendor supplies all the prizes, from the student prize ladder to the pizza parties, ice cream parties, the top salesman for two tiers, even prizes for the teachers (any teacher's class that sells at least $1000 in total sales, gets $50 dollars in product - which is not a bad deal for simply reminding the students about the sale each day); raffle prizes; etc. The Kick Off is crucial. This is a make or break area. If you don't get the students worked up for the sale, you will still make money, but not as much. Each day of the sale should find PTO members in the hall asking what and how many items students have sold and then praising them to the high heavens! I could go on and on...

Our student body is just over 800 strong. We are a PreK-6th grade. Our principal is involved in the sale, but only in a supportive kind of way. She announces it each morning over the intercom with morning announcements. She makes sure we get support from the office staff and makes sure we have an area in the office from which to operate during the sale. Our assistant principal is great for helping each morning to hype the sale and keeping the kids excited.

Does that answer your questions?

Do any of YOU have some old costumes and stuff that I could borrow, buy, steal, etc...? lol...

I think I really like the Halloween Carnival idea. Halloween has always been my favorite time of year (I'm an award winning actress in my mind).

I have children's costumes, but I seem to remember that in the Haunted House of my elementary school days, that there were big gorillas, headless creatures, witches, etc. and they were adults. I remember dry ice, black plastic bags as dividers, etc. What else?

First you could have a costume drive. Lots of people have cool costumes they don't want to throw away but most people want a new one each year. Ask for people to donate decorations and costumes.
Second you can go to second hand stores (no pun really intended ). They have donated costumes, elements for homemade costumes and frequently a supply of of cheep new costumes.
Third you can check out ebay and other swap meet boards but only at times other than halloween if you want cheep.

OK. Let's see your best sources for affordable costumes to use in the House of Horrors (Haunted House), decorations, prizes, games, and rides!!!

We hold an annual fun fair - I am no expert, but I did come up with an idea that is kind of fun if you have a good group of parents. Make a large board with cork board on it in the shape of your theme Maybe a big pumpkin -- use dark balloons attatch the balloons to the board. Inside the balloons have parent prizes -- maybe additional tickets for the carnival - some cash or donated gift certificates AND in some have volunteer vouchers ( I will let the parents choose between the spring book fair or the pancake breakfast which is on a sat.) Maybe charge .50 - 1.00 per try depending on your prizes. So, they could win or PTO could get volunteers - sure they may never show up but I think that most parents would.

Originally posted by melloweer:
My dream carnival:

4. Did I mention people walking up to me and volunteering yet?

In my dreams everyone wants to help our school. We even get cash donations just for mentioning we need money. Ah... the sweet retreat of dreaming. [img]smile.gif[/img]