With gorgeous blue skies and lengthening days, along come thoughts of all the summer activities looming on the horizon. All across the country, you can start counting the days until the carnival rolls into town. If you love the idea of the circus, but not the actuality of crowded and noisy midways and deep fried everything, why not extract all the things you love, and host a carnival themed party of your own?
Growing up, the local fair was an opportunity to put culinary creativity out there for the world to judge (or at least a few brave adults), and as the carnies were setting up their tents and rickety midway rides, a flurry of baking would be taking place in the family kitchen. In the spirit of the state fair and to rouse the Top Chef amongst your guests, why not incite a little baking competition with a pie contest. That way, you get to taste all sorts of fine pies – I can’t think of a better suited summer dessert.
You may not be able to set up a midway in your back yard, but we all know that isn’t the best part of the carnival anyway! Thank goodness it only comes around once a year, because all of that fair food is hard to resist. But you can still serve up some of your favorites like candy floss, popcorn, and snow cones at home by renting equipment locally. Try your hand at home-made corn dogs and voila! A well balanced carnival meal!
Entertain your crowd by setting up a few carnival inspired games, like Duck Pond, Balloon Darts, and Ring Toss. Mesmerize the kiddies by hiring a balloon artist, face painter or clowns, and they can take or wear home a personalized party favor.
There are lots of great decorating ideas for carnival or circus themed parties – check out the below inspiration…
Coney Island Inspired Carnival Party via HWTM
Big Top Circus Party via Kara’s Party Ideas