Q—How does my group start the process of hosting a festival/carnival as a fundraiser?

A—Check with your local community/city/village to find out what laws, rules or ordinances apply to outdoor amusements/events and what is needed in order to obtain the necessary permits for operation. Often times, Not for Profit groups maybe exempt from these fees. Find a Great location on Hard Surface (preferable) and Obtain permission In Writing from the Property Owner. Contact your amusement provider and provide them with a choice of dates. Often times your first choice of a date will Not be available, so have options and try to be flexible. If you are planning to have an event within the City of Chicago, You Must contact your local Alderman and ask for his/her support of the event. This is key to getting your event off the ground in the city.


Q-How do we start—?

A-In order for an event to build, you have to start somewhere and starting out smaller in the beginning is a great way to test the waters. Successful events can take time to build, and you can always increase or add to rather then take away. Most of our events open on a Wednesday evening and run through Sunday. 5 days provide a decent chance you will get great weather on a few of those days! You can’t do this all alone—-work together with a committee and together you will have a successful event. Share the responsibilities—- remember, it takes a village to raise a child!

Q-How much will my group make from the event or how much will the event cost?

A-Each event is different, but generally, an agreement is entered into between the group and the amusement provider. Usually based on a scale, so that each group would benefit based on income generated from ride ticket sales. For a first time event, its difficult to know what to expect, however location, timing and awareness (Advertising) will play a huge part in the bottom line. No one control the weather, and no matter what date you choose, you will always have the ‘chance’ of inclement weather, so be prepared. Things such as Advance Ticket Sales will provide Insurance against the weather to increase the odds in your favor just in case. There are also preventative measures such as ‘weather insurance’ which can be costly, but when weighed with the outgo of the possible startup expense, maybe well worth the money spent. Obtaining sponsorships from local businesses can help with the expense of getting an event off the ground and are key to a successful event working together in partnership.

Q-What else do we need to know?

A-Your committee is responsible for ADVERTISING, Providing a Location for the event, all necessary licenses or permits and fees associated with the event, Restroom facilities, Ample Dumpster for trash, Security for the event and grounds and competent people to care for ride coupon sales and tickets boxes.

The start of an event can be an overwhelming task in the beginning, but once you’ve done it, well, it gets easier and more rewarding each time. You can check with local civic groups that run successful events; Lions, Rotarians, Jaycees and local churches. A Festival/Carnival is still the most affordable form of local family fun. A local festival is still a great fundraiser, And the best part is, close to home!

Hopefully this generic Q & A can give you a start and answer some of your questions.

We can provide a formal proposal for your event. Currently we have a few dates available in 2010 and booking for 2011 is well underway