A good school fete can be a major highlight on the yearly calendar for any school community. It is a great way for students and families to mix, mingle and have a fun day out. Of course, school fetes are also a great fundraising opportunity for the school – if you plan them right and have an enticing line-up of stalls and activities. According to a 2018 survey by the Australian National Fete Research Project, the average fete profit for large schools (more than 700 students) was approximately $26,000. The average profit for smaller schools (less than 300 students) was still approximately $10,000. In addition to creating a great day for the whole community, those sort of profits can be put to very good use around any school. Here are four things you should consider when planning a school fete.
1. The weather
The weather gods don’t always come to the party, but planning a school fete during the traditionally warmer and drier months of the year is generally best. In Victoria, the most popular times to hold school fetes are between September and November, while some are also held in February and March.
2. Amusement rides
You want to give the school community a good reason to come to a school fete and entertain anyone who does come for multiple hours. The longer people stay at your event, the more money they are likely to spend and the more fundraising dollars end up in the school’s coffers. Many students enjoy the school playground, but that gets used every day and you cannot exactly charge money to use it. The best way to add some new excitement and entertainment – and raise some money – is to hire amusement rides. Amusement rides can often be set up on school ovals or other open spaces and there are plenty of options available. You could hire inflatables, a Giant Slide, Bungee Trampolines, Dodgem Cars, a Carousel, a Chairoplane or many other family-friendly rides and activities.
3. Good food and drinks
The humble BBQ has long been a school fete favourite and an easy fundraising opportunity. However, some schools these days are taking things a little more healthy and gourmet when it comes to food options. Coffee vans are also becoming a popular addition to school fetes, along with the usual suspects like cake stalls and lemonade stands.
4. Other fundraising opportunities
There are plenty of other fun and engaging fundraising opportunities that you can add to your school fete to earn a few extra fundraising dollars .Things like auctions and raffles are ever-popular. You could also hold paid competitions – like guessing how many Easter eggs are in a jar.
Making school fete planning easy
At Advanced Amusements, we have over 30 years of experience in the amusement industry and we are experts when it comes to school fetes. Not only can we supply amusement rides, but we can also provide other school fete ideas, organise refreshments and even provide bathroom facilities to ensure a stress-free event experience. We offer outright hire or commission hire options for our wide range of amusement rides and service greater Melbourne, Bendigo, Mildura, Echuca, Kerang, Swan Hill and more. Contact us today by calling 0402 922 256 or using our simple online contact form.