Carnival Planning Guide

A school or church carnival can be a fun and exciting way to fundraise and bring together those from your organization as well as community. The planning involved with a carnival-style event can seem overwhelming. Let the SignUpGenius Carnival Planning Guide make your life easier!

PLANNING

Questions to Consider:
1. Define the purpose of your carnival. Is it a fundraiser or a fun activity?
2. Set clear goals for fundraising, attendance, and volunteer recruiting. Refer to this list when making decisions throughout the planning process.
3. What time of year is best for your carnival? Keep in mind local conflicts (athletic events, other festivals, etc.)
4. What's your location? Inside school, outside or a combination?
5. If you'll serve food, check with the local health department about regulations.

General Planning Tips:
1. Consider a theme to simplify planning, games and activities. Be inspired with themes such as an old-fashioned carnival, , , or circus!2. Form sub-committees with an assigned leader to tackle each area and then provide that committee with a list of goals and the budget.3. Make an inclement weather plan.4. Keep in mind permits that might be needed for rides, inflatables, and food preparation and apply early.5. Keep SIMPLE in mind! While you might want/need to make a large profit from your carnival, don't do it at the expense of burning out tired teachers and already busy and generous families. Simplify to keep the carnival fun and increase the likelihood that you'll have another carnival next year.6. Have one big meeting with your school administration to present ideas and goals and get approval for asking for donations, volunteers, and activities. They might not want teachers solicited at all.7. Form sub-committees with an assigned leader to tackle each area and then provide committee with a list of goals and the budget.