With proper planning, community parties can be fun affairs.
Community parties provide a great way for people in an area to get to know everyone. They also foster unity and camaraderie. The latter is true not only for the party itself, but also for the planning phases, as just about everyone is needed to lend a hand to ensure a successful event. With the right organization and game plan, any community can throw a successful party by following a few simple steps. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Pick a day and time when the majority of the community can attend. If attendance is sparse because of an inconvenient date, all of your other savvy planning will be for naught.
2. Throw a small planning party. Casually get the word out that you are thinking of hosting a community party, and find out who is interested in helping you plan. These people and you will make up the party committee. Planning parties is a fun way to get organized, brainstorm and map out the details.
3. Set a budget. Before you decide on a venue or plan the menu, you need to know how much operating capital is at your disposal. You may decide that the committee will do the funding, or you could opt for more of a bring-your-own, pot luck style.
4. Decide what food and beverages to include. One effective way to save money and ensure attendance is to have a potluck style dinner, where everyone brings a dish. This also guarantees everyone will have something that they like on the menu. For beverages, keep it basic with water, soda and juices. Familiarize yourself with the rules about alcohol at your location. If it's allowed, save money by having everyone bring their own.
5. Decide on a place and window of time. Depending on your budget, you may want to rent out a community center or recreational facility. Choosing a cul-de-sac in your neighborhood is an option. Either way, make sure that you follow the letter of the law by securing permits, if necessary. Contact your police department for guidelines. The point is to select a venue that is easily accessible, neutral and universally liked. For instance, if you live in a community with older baby boomers, renting out a laser tag facility is probably not the best option.
6. Plan a few activities to keep attendees engaged. Select things that appeal to all ages, such as tug-of-war or a corn-on-the- cob eating contest. Hayrides are an option if it fits your location and budget. Don't be too rigid with the itinerary, as you want to allow for casual social interaction.
7. Get the word out. You want to give plenty of advance notice in order to ensure a high turnout. You can go door to door, handing out fliers or, if it is in your budget, send out a cheap mailer. Posting a banner is another option, if the zoning codes in your area allow it and the neighbors don't deem it to be tacky. Supply the basic details on the fliers or sign, plus additional information, such as what anyone is encouraged to bring, how long the event will last, and so on.
Tags: save money, your budget, your location