1. Do everything with tickets and have money at one location ONLY. It is easier to get the trusted volunteers or officers needed. Just make sure you have enough tickets. You can always take them back if they are not used.
2. Either post a layout or label each area in advance so set-up goes smoother. I do a layout in advance and have it with me but sometimes I have to make last minute changes. So I put signs at each "booth" to let the teachers and volunteers where they are to set-up. That way they aren't chasing me down.
3. DO NOT rely on your janitors for extension cords.
4. Make sure you have enough food. If you have leftovers try selling at reduced or bulk rates at the end of the evening.
5. Try to have fun yourself or you won't want to do it again.
Don't forget the local tv and radio station will sometimes advertise for you for free or put your info on their website. And of course, I have never seen a carnival that wasn't attended. It's the one thing almost everyone tries to come to. You know, "If you build it, they will come." Just hang in there. It will all fall in place.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
When I was Tres 4 years ago our Sec and VP got mad at the Pres so they quit and she ttok maternity leave. I singlehandely put our carnival together and it works great. My best advice would be what has already been stated.
1.Notes and more notes are essential.
2. I have a plan A for sun and a plan B for rain. 3. I know before hand what game will go where,how much to charge in the way of tickets and food and try to have plenty of people to help if possible. This year we will do everything with tickets even the food so we only have money in one area and that can only be handled by an elected officer. I know some people will be pissy about that but oh well.
4. Definitely try to set as much up as possible the night before in case you run into any snags. 5. Oh and dont forget extra extension cords for inflatables, etc. as the rental companies will provide only a certain footage which never seems to be enough.
6. And plan for a clean up crew too.
7. Realize that something will probably go wrong and though you'll freal out and stress over it in the end most people wont even know about it.
I know this is more than 8 but I hate being pinpointed. LOL Just try to relax, have fun and know that its all appreciated even if no one says it.
I don't think you need a top 5, just walk through each event step by step in your head to make sure you remember music for the cakewalk or bags for the popcorn. I make up a list of every station and what is done at each, how many tickets to charge and where to put them. Then I make a shopping list from this to make sure I have everything. Whatever you do, take notes so you don't have to start all over again next year.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
