A few years back our school held our first ever Fete. Due to the layout of our school, we had three entrance points to the grounds, and the entire event was spread over the oval, main school quadrangle, ancillary buildings and playgrounds.
We had maps and signage available so visitors knew where they could find things, but we really wanted to make sure that customers knew the full range of activities and events that might appeal specifically to them.
With this in mind, we designed some ‘checklists’ of activities, customised to different groups.
For our ‘Kids Checklist’ we listed all the activities, games, market stalls and food stalls we thought would appeal to them.
We also designed a ‘Shopping Checklist’ for people who might be coming along and specifically looking for Christmas gifts. This included a list of special stalls where Christmas gifts might be found such as the craft stall, jams and pickles and gourmet hampers.
We had a checklist that included all the free games, activities, give-aways and displays so people could spend time at the Fete without spending money.
Finally, we had a checklist specifically called ‘Chill-out’ so customers knew when and where they could relax to some tunes or demonstrations.
We printed these into large posters and hung them strategically throughout the event. Alternatively, you could print the guides into flyers and distribute at your Information Stall, or print small versions onto the back of a map.
You could also promote the lists prior to the event through your social media and school newsletters. It’s easy for people to take screen shots of the lists and have easy access to them during the day.
Your own checklists will depend on what stalls, activities and entertainment you have at your event, but some ideas might be:
Gourmet Lovers – a list of all the food stalls where food can be purchased for immediate consumption; wine bar; market stalls where you can buy gourmet food or gifts; chef or cooking demonstrations; raffles or auctions where the prizes are restaurant vouchers or food hampers; fresh produce stalls, jams and chutneys etc
Mums and Bubs – list of all the market stalls where baby clothes/toys/maternity items are sold; child-friendly games; school play areas which are suitable for toddlers; child-friendly food stalls; petting zoo or bouncy castle; details of a breastfeeding room or change facilities etc
Thrill Seekers – exciting sideshow alley games and rides; market stalls which might sell suitable items; raffles or auction where the prizes are ‘exciting’ such as paintballing or rock climbing etc
Bargain Hunters – lists of stalls where prices are kept low such as White Elephant or Pre-Loved; games and rides that are free or cheap; food stalls etc
Eco-Friendly – detail food stalls with low food mileage; stalls selling sustainable and eco-friendly products; displays or demonstrations; hand-made, upcycled, repurposed or second-hand items etc
Learn Something – lists all the stalls, demonstrations and displays where visitors might learn a new skill.
Don’t forget to include specific raffle or auction items that might fit in with your list.
What other guides could you come up with for your fete?
