1 Prize draw
People who’ve bought raffle tickets want to know if they’ve won anything, especially if you’ve pulled in impressive prizes, such as thrilling awaydays, nifty tech or fancy drinks. Holding your prize draw as the climax of your event is a tried and tested way to get visitors to stick around and spend money on your games, pre-loved items and refreshments stalls.
2 Performances
Even if you can’t book Taylor Swift to perform a three-hour gig at your fair, you can still get local bands and performers involved. Whether it’s the school choir or drama group or a local martial arts or gymnastics club, a live show means parents must stay to watch their child belt out a tune or bust a move.
3 Storytelling
Children (and many parents) love listening to stories, and a professional storyteller will make this experience even more enjoyable. Depending on the season, resources and weather, set up a storytelling tent, stage or special room. Schedule stories throughout the day, but something extra special for the end and highlight it on your promotional material and posters.
4 Races
Competitive parents are likely to stay if there’s a chance of beating other adults in a race! Provide a selection of last-minute opportunities, such as a traditional egg and spoon race, a sack race and a 100m dash. Offering a decent prize will make the alpha parents even more likely to hang around.
5 Sponge the headteacher
Or other staff member. Or PTA member. Or parent.
If you’re holding an outside event, ask someone crafty in your community to build some (benign, comfortable) stocks and persuade a selection of staff members to be sponged. But let everyone know you’ve saved the headteacher for the final slot, and they are sure to stay on.
.gif "TryBooking.com")
