A luau carnival theme works well for a spring carnival.
School carnivals offer schools a chance to combine a riotous activity with fund-raising for the upcoming year. These celebrations usually take place toward the end of the year when the weather turns warm. As such, themes like a Hawaiian luau are perfect for the carnival. Besides encouraging people to come dressed in their favorite Hawaiian attire, planning a luau-themed carnival provides students and parents with a chance to contribute. Does this Spark an idea?
Preparation
Preparation for the carnival should begin well in advance of the event. According to "School Carnivals," advanced planning allows a school to contact important organizations in the community like the police and party supply companies and to think of possible activities. During this stage, luau planners should start contacting parents to volunteer for the event. In terms of getting the kids involved, teachers can incorporate activities like making leis and posters during art class and assigning clean-up duties.
Decorations
On the day of the carnival, students and parent volunteers can assist with the preparations by helping to put up items like inflatable palm trees, hanging paper lanterns and fishing nets filled with seashells. Depending on the school and local ordinances, decorative items can include tiki torches. Wooden parrots, bouquets of tropical flowers, raffia skirts and Hawaiian-themed paper plates and napkins could also be used.
Souvenirs and Activities
One of the main purposes of the carnival is for the kids to have a good time. The right activities and souvenirs will help this effort along considerably. Some possible luau-themed activities include a hang-10 photo souvenir area, a caricature artist, Hawaiian music, limbo and hula hoop contests, water activities like a dunk tank or slip-and-slide area and a raffle. Schools that opt for a raffle should check with local officials for any rules and regulations regarding this activity.
Food
Traditionally, luaus are events that feature roasting a pig in the ground. For many schools, this isn't a possibility because of the liability or because of local ordinances concerning fire on campus. However, this doesn't mean that there can't be a roast pig. The pig can be roasted in the oven. Additionally, Hawaiian-inspired food can include veggie and fruit skewers with bits of ham, lychee ice cream and tropical punch. (See Resource 3 for Hawaiian recipes)
Tags: activities like, local ordinances