Ask the Party Expert...

Dear Party Expert:

"I was wondering if you could help me with some party ideas. We are having our children's birthday party on the 29th after the date the my son is due (the 26th of the month). My one daughter is turning 3 and the other is turning 5. And if all these variables weren't difficult enough, we have just moved to the area and the kids to be invited range greatly in age (anywhere from 3-10 years of age). My husband works for the local fire dept. and we, at this point, are booking the party to be held there. Other then that I have no ideas. If you could help I'd be very grateful. Thank you for your time."  ~ Nicole 

Dear Nicole:

How much fun it will be for your children to have their very own fire
house party.  Keeping in mind the ages, and your very precarious situation,
I've kept the preparations and ideas simple.

TO START:
    Since you're partying in a firehouse, what would be better to include
than a Dalmatian.  If your children do not own a Dalmatian stuffed animal,
see if someone you know does.  If you know someone with a real one, ask if
the pup can visit for a photo opportunity.  Snap pictures of the partygoers
sitting in the fire truck (or standing beside it if being in it is
prohibited).  Be sure to plop a fire hat (purchase inexpensive ones at the
dollar store) on each child before snapping the picture. 

TO PLAY:
Boot Toss Game
    Toss small beanbags or hackey sack balls (ones that don't bounce away)
into the fire fighter's boots.  Allow each guest to toss the ball at least
three times.  Make sure you divide the kids into two or three groups, such as
3-5, 6-7, and 8-10 or under six and over six. 
The guest or team that tosses the most balls into the boot wins.  Have one
winner from each age group or have one team win. 
TIP:  To keep kids from getting restless, make two lines to play the game.

 Dog Biscuit Toss
    Again, make two lines and have the kids toss biscuits into a dog dish. 
Follow the same rules as the Boot Toss Game.

Dalmatian Go Home
    Make a game board by drawing six lines (lengthwise) on a poster board to
make lanes.  Number the lanes one through six.  And mark six lines across the
width to make blocks.  Make six small Dalmatian drawings (or download a
graphic from the Internet) and one firehouse.  The goal is to get the pups
home.  Place one pup inside each lane.  Roll one die.  If number two comes
up, the second Dalmatian moves one block.  Continue rolling the die until one
of the pups reaches the firehouse to win.  Depending upon how many guests
you're having, you might need two or three of these boards.  A small stuff
Dalmatian would be the perfect prize.

TO DO: 
    A firehouse and truck tour would thrill everyone in your age group, if
allowed.  Take candid shots with an instant camera for guests to take home. 
A chance to try on the boots or jacket would be great. 

TO GIVE:
    If possible, find a bone-shaped cookie cutter to make cut-out cookies to
give as a take-home treat.  (You should be able to find one at a candy and
cake supply store.)  Small fire trucks, such as the Match Box size, would be
just right as a giveaway.
       
TAIL END:
    Keep your party timeline to two hours.  It will be enough time for the
photo session, two games, cake, presents and a short tour.

    Nicole, these simple ideas should ease your concern.  Congratulations on
your upcoming delivery, too.

Enjoy!
Mary Jo Rulnick
Every Day Should Be A Party Day!

Copyright 2003 by Mary Jo Rulnick 

Back to Main Party Index