Hugs tips for a successful party...

Hugs has been performing for 16+ years at Birthday parties, picnics, promotions, schools, churches and other events. Having performed at 260 to 300 shows a year, I would like to share some helpful suggestions that might make for a more successful and fun party for you.

1. Check first with friends, relatives and teachers, then the Yellow Pages, Children’s Magazines, the Pennysaver and other local papers.

2. Call around and compare, not just prices, ask how long they have been in business, what they do and how long their show is. It is better if they can do a variety of things (i.e.  magic, balloons, face-painting etc.) Ask for references if you feel you need them, a professional won’t mind. Check their attitude, how they treat you will be how they treat your children. Ask if you can take pictures or video.

3. The going rate for clowns and magicians can be from $95 to $300 for 30 to 60 minutes. The average for professional working entertainers is $120 to $150 for an hour. You are investing in a memory for your child and their guests, a bargain clown may not be able to hold the attention or leave them with a positive fun memory.

How to make your party run smoothly:

1. Plan ahead, send invitations about 2 weeks in advance and ask for a R.S.V.P.

2. Reserve entertainment at least 3 or 4 weeks in advance (1 or 2 months in the summer or fall). However, call even if it is last minute, sometimes people cancel.

3. To hold your party at Parks and Halls, call 6 to 12 months in advance, in some cases. Call to find their schedule.

4. For  pony rides, zoo animals and park rangers, check well in advance for fees and reservations.

6. Bring plenty of film. Check cameras and video recorders to be sure that they are charged and ready to go. If you are going to be busy with food and arrangements, designate someone to take pictures. I have been to parties where no one was around to take pictures of the birthday person as they were being featured in the show.

7. Because people are generally not on time, I recommend that you invite your guests an hour before the entertainment arrives. I find it better to have the entertainment after food, but before cake, ice cream and presents.

8. Depending on the length of your party, you may want to have some games, music etc... to keep the kids busy before or after your professional entertainers. 

9. Having performed in all kinds of places, from closets to auditoriums, I find the home party is the best. Outdoor parties are fine as long as it is comfortable for the children. Outdoors, it is best if the children can sit on the grass or a blanket. Inside, the floor is best, letting the "Big Kids" sit on the sofa and chairs (they will enjoy the show, too).

10. During the performance, please do not give out blowers, noisemakers, hats etc... Hopefully every one is there on time, if not, try to help the newcomers get a place as quietly as possible. If the adults want to visit and talk, ask them to move to another room so it won’t distract the children during the show. Please have someone keep toddlers from walking in the area of the show, they might get hurt or knocked over accidentally. Sometimes a child can be difficult to keep quiet or still during the show, it is better for everyone if they can be moved to another part of the house so that the other children can enjoy the program. Also if your making a Video, all the noise will be on your tape.

11. While the entertainer is face painting or making balloons, it is helpful to have a teenager or adult keep the children in line. I do the Birthday person first (they get 2 paintings, everyone else gets 1) then the shortest to the tallest. I can paint up to 20 children in 30 minutes. If you are going to have more guests, please schedule extra time.

I hope that these suggestions will help to make your party or affair a more enjoyable and memorable experience.  

At your service, Hugs the Clown

If you wish to speak to "Hugs" about entertaining at your event or establishment, call her @ 410.647.1996 or email jgewald@comcast.net

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