25Feb / 2021

Preparing for the Return to Live Events!

Many of us have the same burning questions: How do we get back to hosting live events in 2021? How do we ensure that events are safe? How will the event and meeting attendees feel safe enough to participate?

Events and Parties Post Pandemic

It’s time to resume your events and parties in a post-pandemic climate. Where do you start? How do you even begin to plan? What format should you use? Most of our games and inflatables are good for single players to participate in, which encourages social distancing. Once the weather turns warmer we can help you with outdoor events which lend itself to more spacing.

Successful Events During COVID-19

AMJSE is experienced in executing COVID-19 procedures while ensuring your event is safe and fun.

How do we keep attendees safe at a live event?

1. Plan. Our event planners will work with you on selecting the right attractions, concessions and games for your event. We will go over the COVID-19 protocols, procedures, and event trends in the new world of COVID-19 events.

2.Cleanliness. You know the saying cleanliness is next to godliness. When you work with us you can rest assured that each game, inflatable, concession, and ride is cleaned and sanitized before and after each rental. We also offer sanitizing stations throughout the event. We are up to date and maintain COVID-19 safety protocols.

3. Set your own rules. You can decide how you want to keep your attendees safe. At minimum you must adhere to local and federal requirements but if you want to add enhanced measures, that’s your decision. You may want attendees to have their temperature checked, ask for daily symptom checks, require masks, request that hand sanitizer be used prior to entering a room, and more. You can set your protocols for your attendees.

4. Communicate. Make sure that our staff and attendees are aware of the protocols. By setting these expectations in advance it will show your guests that you are doing everything possible to keep them safe. They will understand their role in the commitment to safety before attending.

The return of live events will give some of us a sense of normalcy and connection that we’ve been missing. While live events will look different, we will be able to meet in person if we all make the commitment to take the necessary steps for safety. Please reach out if we can help you plan your next safe event!

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28Apr / 2020

Graduation Cancelled? Alternative Ways to Celebrate!

Celebrating While Social Distancing

Commencement is a milestone event that many look forward to their whole life. It is the sign of a new chapter and the culmination of years of classes, tests, projects, sporting events and being with friends. It’s an emotional time for anyone going through this rite of passage, but for the grads of 2020, it comes with a heightened sense of emotion and feelings of disappointment. Graduation during the COVID-19 crisis will look different than normal, but here are some ways to ensure your grad feels celebrated during this time.

Video Chat Parties

Though it might feel bittersweet to celebrate over a computer camera, you’re still letting your student know you’re proud of their accomplishments. Regardless of the medium, it’s always nice to see your loved ones’ faces and this is an easy way to include everyone as well as a fun excuse to get a little dressed up during quarantine. Your student is sure to be excited for the chance to wear their cap and gown for you even if they never leave the house.

Take the opportunity to mix it up a little. Set a theme and decorate your video chat background! Everyone can wear costumes, pajamas, formal attire or whatever your student might want. Or set up a surprise theme for your grad — maybe something that commemorates a special childhood memory. Keep the surprises coming by inviting guests they don’t expect to see.

Your graduate will appreciate being the center of everyone’s love and attention, and sharing tears, smiles and laughter.

Deck the Halls

You can still have a graduation party, but this year it will just be more intimate. Decorate your front door or yard with your school colors – add some streamers and giant letters and you’ve got a great start! On the inside of the house hang balloons, more streamers and some of your favorite photos to add to the festive décor. Look into yard signs for the front lawn to surprise the grad! On the night of your “graduation” enjoy cake and ice cream with everyone in your home.

Play Fun Backyard Games

Create a fun atmosphere with games to play such as bags, badminton, Giant Jenga get creative the most important thing is to have fun as a family! Crank up the music, start the grill and make the most of being home and reflecting on the next stage in your graduates life!

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20Mar / 2020

Stuck Inside? Let’s Put Some FUN in Your Day!

There’s a little extra chaos and anxiety in many homes across the state. After many districts closed schools and extended spring breaks last week to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, parents are left scrambling with what to do with their kids and how to keep a fun and positive atmosphere at home. You and your family should take this time and make the best of it by adding some fun into your day here are some ideas you may want to try!

Indoor Camping

Schedule an indoor “camp out” with sleeping bags, a tent, board games, and s’mores. Camping inside is a fun and simple way to unplug, reconnect with your family, and have a great time. Plus, you’ll have indoor plumbing!

Balloon Tennis

All you need is a balloon, two paper plates, and two craft sticks. The match can now begin! No craft sticks? Simply keep the balloon in the air as long as you can with a paper plate or even your hands.

Photo Booth Fun

Tap into your kids’ dress up trunk or bring out their old Halloween costumes for some photo fun. Have your kids strike a pose during your own custom photo shoot. Want to be in the photos? Use a book or bag of rice to prop up your phone or turn the tables and have the kids take pictures of you.

Jenga!

Play Jenga, or use whatever you have to try a Jenga-type game. For example, you can build a fun Jenga-style tower with sponge pieces.

Freeze Dance

All you need is music, and the only guideline is to freeze when the music is paused. Encourage kids to “freeze” in fun poses or with funny faces. Use a variety of musical styles and tempos.

Board Games

Board games are always a fun option for two or more. Even the littlest kids can play cooperative games like tic tac toe and connect 4. Cooperative games like these can be played from about age two and up and can be played in a variety of ways (because we all know that toddlers need flexibility).

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17Mar / 2020

A Letter From AMJ……We Are Here For You.

Dear Valued Customers,

First and foremost, we hope you and your family / friends are safe and healthy.

As news relating to the coronavirus is changing on a daily basis, which has consequential impact on how we plan, hold, and celebrate events, we wanted to let you know that we are still here for you.

We are planning for ways to function, either in our office or remotely, and we will continue to serve our clients once the virus pandemic passes. We are taking the necessary precautions cleaning equipment, setting up training classes for staff, and preparing for when it is safe to hold events.

While many events planned through April have been cancelled, the majority of our clients are saying their events are being postponed – for a future date in May, June, or later in the year.

In an effort to better prepare for when it’s business as usual again we will need to make sure we are securing those rescheduled dates. We are also contacting clients who have held events in May/June of 2019 so that we may be able to “lock in” their event date and get a sense of event scheduling for this spring/summer.

We are asking for your help and cooperation in 2 ways:

If you are postponing your event, please consider choosing a new date, soon, as we anticipate our event calendar will be filling up faster/ earlier than normal. Your deposit will remain on file for your future date which will help ensure we are able to help you with your entertainment/rental needs.
COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on the events industry. Please help by signing the petition below asking for federal assistance in aiding our industry during this crisis.

https://www.change.org/p/donald-j-trump-federal-aid-package-for-events-industry

Thank you for your support during this difficult time.

We hope to see you at an event soon,

—

Thank you,

Stephen Rhea
Managing Partner

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20Feb / 2018

Celebrate the Spirit of Competition!

Celebrate the upcoming Winter Olympic Games with these great Olympic themed party games! They’re fun for all ages, themed after the most popular Winter Olympic events. They’re perfect for any type of party anytime of the year! Olympic style parties are more popular than ever and you can re create this “Go for the Gold” competitive themed event on a large or small scale. Here are our tips to create an Olympic themed party:

GAMES

#1: Man vs. Clock

In this version, one player will be trying to beat the clock for each game. So for instance, they will have to try and finish the task in a minute. If they do, they win a prize. If not, let someone else have a shot. If you go with this style, I recommend choosing a different person for each game.

#2: Head to Head

In this style, you’ll pick two players for each game who will going head to head against each other playing a game rather than trying to beat the clock. So for instance, you’d give two people a bucket full of ping pong balls (preferably different colors) and see who can get them over the ramp first.

#3: Team Competition

In this style, you’ll split your group into two (or 3 or 10 depending on the number of guests) teams. For each game, teams must choose one player to compete head to head in the game with the other teams. The entire team won’t be competing, just one person from each team at a time.

First team to finish gets five points, second gets three, and etc. This works best if you have quite a few people and is a good way to get everyone involved cheering for their team.

Want to kick it up a notch…rent these for your event!

Bring our Floor Curling to your next event and bring an winter olympic feel to your party. Kids & adults will also love our Tug of War and Bouncing Boxing. We have so many games that can re create a fun competitive Olympic themed event! Perfect themed event for colleges and school field days!

FOOD & DECOR

Olympians need to keep up their strength, so make sure they visit your buffet table to sample some of these Olympics themed party foods:

Serve a smorgasbord of international foods and decorate with small flags from around the world.
Make an Olympics-themed cake that represents the rings and torch.
Snack-filled torches: fill ice cream cones with orange or red snack foods (to represent the flame), such as cheese balls or cheddar cheese popcorn.
Serve a variety of round, “ring-style” foods to honor the Olympic rings. Ideas include donuts, pizza bagels, and breadsticks that have been twisted into circles before baking.
Use the colors of the Olympic rings as your color scheme: blue, yellow, black, green, and red. Incorporate these colors in your table dressings, balloons, and paper streamers.
Use international flags as part of your decor.

Whether you want to throw an all-out Olympics party or just want to invite some friends over to watch the big events on TV, you can have fun celebrating in gold-medal style.

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22Aug / 2017

Throwing a School Fall Fest…Tips, Tricks and the How To’s!

In an effort to be all-inclusive, many schools have moved from the tradition of celebrating Halloween to hosting a fall festival. More than just noting a holiday, these festivals celebrate a season — and take advantage of the educational opportunities it brings. Our expert event planners at AMJ Spectacular Events share there tips, tricks and how to throw a great fall fest for your church, school or corporate event!

Here are some ideas for fall festival games and activities you can use:

“There’s no such thing as an event that’s too organized”, says Deanna an event planner with AMJSE. Here are a few tips to consider before planning your school fall festival.

Tips for a Successful Fall Festival

1. Don’t forget the cash box

If you’re collecting cash for entry fees, ride or activity tickets, or concessions, make sure someone is in charge of stocking a cash box with a variety of small bills so you can make change when every single person wants to pay for a $3 snack with a $20 bill. Who has signature authority on your PTA bank account? The people who can get the cash box might be limited to the PTA president, secretary, and financial secretary. Make sure one of them is available and knows you need the money. And pay attention to timing – you don’t want to start setting up for a Friday night event only to realize the bank closed an hour ago.

2. Take care of your volunteers

Set up an easy-to-find volunteer check-in station. Make sure someone is there throughout the event to provide guidance and quick training as volunteers arrive. Your volunteers are giving their time and energy – don’t make them guess what they’re expected to do or where they need to go.

3. Include some floaters in your volunteers

You can ask for people willing to serve as floaters, or see if the PTA board members will take on this role. Either way, you’ll be prepared if there’s a sudden rush of people at the cake walk or if the ticket taker needs to leave early.

4. Get older kids involved

Middle school and high school students are great sources for volunteers, and the younger children love seeing the “big kids” be part of their event. Make sure older students know you’ll sign off on their service hours.

5. Have a backup plan for bad weather

When you decided to hold a fall festival, it was easy to envision families enjoying a crisp, clear fall day. Go ahead and plan for a great day outdoors spread across the school grounds – but have a backup plan just in case mother nature doesn’t cooperate. Can you move events indoors? Choose a rain date? If all goes well, you won’t need the backup – but you’ll feel better knowing you’re prepared.

6. Make it fun for all ages

Plan a variety of events appropriate for different age groups. Elementary school students may range in age from 5 to 13, plus younger and older siblings. Don’t try to make everything work for everyone. It’s okay if younger kids line up for face painting, while their older siblings try their prowess at the beanbag toss.

7. Include a clean-up crew

When you ask for volunteers, make sure to include a clean-up crew as well as volunteers during the event. You don’t want to wave goodbye to happy, tired participants at the end of a successful festival only to realize you’re all alone and clean-up hasn’t even started.

8. Don’t forget the cash box

At the end of the event, make sure you know who’s in charge of counting the money (there should be two people to do this) and turning it over to the treasurer or someone else with authority to make a bank deposit. Make sure the initial stock of cash doesn’t get counted as part of the proceeds from the event.

Throw a School-wide Fall Festival

A fall festival or harvest party can be just as much fun as a school-wide Halloween carnival. Here are some ideas for pulling one off.

Set up booths and stations where the kids can play fall festival games, like the pumpkin pitch game or carnival games for a school festival, and win prizes.

Give your elementary school fall festival an educational theme, such as making it all about books and reading. Allow the students to wear costumes, but require them to dress up as their favorite storybook characters.

A maze of confusion: Who doesn’t love a challenge and these festive mazes are sure to be a hit! Rent our Corn Maze , Haunted Ogre Maze or Haunted House Maze. Kids and adults like will love the challenge to get to the other side.

Pumpkin Party: Decorate with lots of orange and pumpkin decorations for this party. Have all of your guests bring their own pumpkin and provide them with paint, markers, glitter, paper, and everything they need to decorate their pumpkin. Our Pumpkin Moon Jump is great to keep the kids entertained! If the kids are older, or their parents are invited too, try pumpkin carving! An easy party favor from this party (besides their pumpkin) is a photo keepsake.

Give the festival a spooky feel with a Haunted Mansion Obstacle Course or check out our Pumpkin Moon Jump. Have a scarecrow-making contests, bob for apples, serve hot chocolate or apple cider host a pie-baking contest, offer face painting, organize a cake walk, set up craft booths where kids can make fall crafts and get everyone–including the parents and teachers–to compete in sack races.

If you love Halloween, don’t be disappointed if your child’s school doesn’t celebrate it. You’ll find that there are plenty of traditions surrounding the fall season that are just as much fun to enjoy. And as a bonus, most of them are educational, too.

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19Jun / 2017

Outdoor Games & Activities to Play at Your Backyard Bash or Picnic

Summertime means a lot of things to a lot of different people, but for those of us in the party business, it means party time. Graduation parties, weddings, showers and family reunions. No matter the theme, no matter the type, we know that if you’re planning a party, you want to save money and throw the biggest, most talked-about bash around. So we’d like to take the time to give you some ideas to help you pull off one spectacular summertime event!

It’s summer! Get outside and play. Throw a themed “backyard bash” party at your place or include them at your picnic for tons of laughs and a great time:

Let There Be Bubbles – Who doesn’t love bubbles right! Rent our bubble machine, for endless fun. A professional bubble machine will leave your little ones laughing for hours as they chase hundreds of bubbles. Adorable.
“Giant” Games – Looking to add some ginormous fun at your summer party check out our Gaint Jenga, Connect Four, and our all new Battleship Games. Perfect for the backyard!
Lawn Games– Set up lawn games for your guests to play. These can be anything from croquet, to horseshoes, to volleyball or even badminton. If you have a large number of guests attending, then consider having teams and doing a tournament!
Groovy Dance Contest – Put on some dance music like the “Macarena”, the “Cupid Shuffle” or the “Cha-Cha Slide” and let your guests shake their stuff! Need something more check out our audio equipment rentals.
Dodge Ball & Kickball – Divide your guests up into two teams and play some exciting games of dodge ball or kickball. You can have a mini tournament if you have a large number of guests and give the winning team some small prizes. We even rent Bocce Ball!
Water Fun – We rent a huge selection of inflatable water slides, and dunk tanks to help your guests cool off this summer. Need something simple try to make a lot of water balloons and play some water balloon games, such as water balloon tag, or have a water balloon tag. Tell guests to bring swimsuits or a change of clothes and have some extra towels ready, as you and your guests are going to get soaked with these games.
Frisbee Golf – Set up a golf course in your backyard or at a nearby park or field. Use various household items to make “hazards” at each “hole”. Also set up a flag or stick at the end of your “hole” numbered 1 through 9. All you have to do is take turns throwing a Frisbee until you hit the numbered flag. Keep track of how many throws you make, and the person with the lowest score at the end wins!
Scavenger Hunt – Make a list of common household items or of outdoor things. Your list can include anything from a rock, to a spoon, a spool of thread or even a leaf from a certain tree. Divide guests into teams of three and send them out into the neighborhood to find the items on the list. The first team back with everything on the list wins! If you are including items where team members will need to ask neighbors, make sure that children have an adult on their team to help them out and keep them safe!

Summertime is wonderful for getting outdoors and having some fun in the sun. Your themed “backyard bash” party is sure to be a hit if you include some of these ideas. Need help planning soemthing more elaborate or for more ideas contact one of our event planners at:

amoonjump4u@gmail.com or 630-833-4386!

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16Feb / 2017

Must Have Products for Campus Events

The Nationals are here and what a perfect time to let you know that AMJ Spectacular Events has one of the largest selection of products for your campus events. The National Convention heads to Baltimore February 18-22, 2017, for four days of great entertainment, business connections and educational & professional development opportunities! AMJ Spectacular Events works with colleges to create the perfect event whether it is for late night programming, parents weekend or end of the year parties. AMJ is proud to be a member of NACA.

AMJ will not be attending the National Conference this year but here are some of the hottest products to hit the college campus!

Mini Donut Bar…..Mmmmmm

The Mini Donut Bar turns donut making into a quick and easy thing. Our on-site donut maker will do all the prep and work to ensure that our guests are enjoying piping hot donuts in no time! We also set up a line of dessert condiments to add to the donuts, like powdered sugar or glaze, and let everyone customize their donuts.

Everything you need to make donuts for all your guests is supplied with the Mini Donut Bar. We provide hot fresh delicious mini donuts prepared right on site for your event or private party. Not only do we make them right in front of you and your guests, but we do so in a way that is visually entertaining as well. Our goal is to give your guests something to remember your event by and AMJ Spectacular Events always delivers!

Black oPs extreme obstacle course

Black oPs extreme inflatable two-laned obstacle course is for the more rugged participants. If you are up for the mission, then get ready to have a feeling that you are engaging in a war of strength, speed and endurance. Battle your opponent to victory as you make your way through the bricked wall entrance, down the path of stone pillars, with tunnels and passageways to maneuver through. The journey doesn’t end here, the challenging rock climbing wall leads you to the uniquely designed-really fun teeter-totter pivoting bridge. Lastly, speed down the slide to the finish line! Renting this extreme obstacle course inflatable at your next event will be an amazing addition for those insatiable energized adolescent and adults.

Custom Sign Plates, add your school name!

Let the creativity begin! Our custom sign plates are the perfect unique addition to your event. Customers will love being able to create memorable street signs, license plates, or dry erase boards with their favorite picture or saying. We offer a variety of colors, fonts, and graphics to make your sign unique! These are a favorite at craft fairs and festivals.

AMJ has a reputation for throwing a FUN event that your guests will remember for a long time. Check out our full 2017 catalog for thousands of rental products! Here is a video of a college event we did: https://youtu.be/UZMefZJLgp0 We look forward to helping you plan your next campus event! http://www.collegeeventrentals4u.com

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22Nov / 2016

Sparkle and Shine with AMJ this Holiday Season!

Tis The Season For Your Rental Reasons…fa la la la la…la la la la

AMJ Spectacular Events has a variety of items for that memorable holiday event all in one place, http://www.christmasrentals4u.com/. When you call us, an expert event specialist will assist you in creating an occasion that will sparkle and shine this season!

All the Trimmings

AMJ has an amazing selection of ways to spruce up any area. Wooden Toy Soldier Christmas Prop is one of our newest additions. Or do you need to add some WOW to your yard? How about invite this gingerbread family, Ginger Bread Men w/ Christmas Tree, to bring some holiday cheer to your guests?!

Photo Opportunities

What’s more popular than photo-ops lately? AMJ has just what the camera ordered with the Human Snow Globe. This snow globe can be customized with a school name or club/group/sorority or fraternity logo to create a personal touch for your holiday party. Or with renting Santa’s Sleigh to provide a beautiful backdrop to set the holiday spirit and it’s a wonderful photo prop for your guests. Don’t have room for a sleigh? How about a Santa Chair or a Santa Bench? We have many varieties.

Holiday Costumes

The timeless classic picture with Santa and the Santa King Throne is sure to please all ages. AMJ has more holiday themed costumes perfect for your event. We also have Mrs.Claus, Reindeer, Holiday Bear or a Snowman. Check them out here. You can even rent a camera and have our staff member capture the moment and print a picture off for your guests to leave with.

Spread the Holiday Cheer

Gift your employees with a surprise of AMJ’s Hot Chocolate Bar or Hot Apple Cider Bar when they walk into the meeting or break room. Show them they are appreciated and that you wish them a Happy Holiday season.

Interactive Activities

Ho, Ho, Ho, all aboard! Trackless Trains are sure to impress with your Polar Express themed party. AMJ offers a variety of trains for youth and for the whole family. The indoor/outdoor capability is perfect for transporting guests from the parking area to the event or have Santa ride in with the gifts for the children!

Looking to keep the kiddos entertained during your event? Offer them some heart-pumping, smile-making inflatables or a couple new creative stations. AMJ now offers a Cookie Decorating Station and our New Ornament Craft Station. Keep the little elves amused and occupied with this holiday inspired Candy Cane Moon Jump or go on a Candyland Adventure, they will love exploring this gingerbread house with an eight foot slide! If you are looking for more of a challenge, how about our 45’ Christmas Inflatable Obstacle Course to help make more memories?!

These are just a some of the ways AMJ can enhance your holiday event. Check out our holiday themed page for many more excellent options! From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!

AMJ Spectacular Events is prepared to assist you in creating a memorable holiday party this year. These items will be booked quickly this holiday season, so be sure to call us right away to check on availability at 630-833-4386 or email us at sales@amjse.com.

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19Jul / 2016

Summertime Movie Night Parties!

These warm summer nights are begging us to get out of our homes. So, while the nights are still balmy, why not throw a movie night with the stars? No, I’m not saying you should invite Leo DiCaprio. What I mean is, move the party outside and screen movies in your own backyard!

Movie nights are some of our favorite nights of the year. Host movie night for your next summertime event, or even an adults-only shindig (the kind where you can provide wine, cheese, and show a scary movie in your dark backyard). In any and all instances, be sure to have plenty of popcorn (see below).

Our backyard movie party rentals paired with your backyard, field or lot is sure to result in an extraordinary experience for all your attendees. We include everything to host the perfect outdoor movie night outside under the stars! Our Backyard Screen Is Great For: Birthday Parties, Graduation Parties, Halloween Events, Football Parties, Outdoor Barbecues, Backyard Cinemas, Pool Parties, Backyard Parties and Company Parties.

Our tips for the perfect movie night:

-Check the weather before you start planning anything

-Warn the neighbours about the noise (or better, invite them along)

-Beware of the cords from the laptop to the speaker and make sure that nobody can trip on them

– Wait for sunset to start the screening

-Why not have an intermission for drinks refuel?

-Get some mosquito repellent! (you’ll thank me for this one)

-Make sure the movie is appropriate for your audience, especially if it involves kids.

Popcorn for Movie Night Fun!

Easy edibles are a must when you’re hosting a movie night. Offer s’mores if you’re able to have a small outdoor fire, and wine and cheese for an adult party, and popcorn too – always popcorn. You might not think of popcorn as a base for testing new recipes, but there are some amazing popcorn mixes that will put the traditional movie theater buttered technique to shame.

Without a doubt, you need to check out this list of 50 flavored popcorn recipes from Food Network, and then offer your guests a variety at your next movie night. Or you can always rent our popcorn cart we we can pop up traditional or Chicago Mix popcorn!

Some favorites?

Sushi Popcorn: Whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons each vegetable oil and soy sauce with 2 teaspoons each toasted sesame oil and rice vinegar; drizzle over 16 cups hot popcorn. Toss with 2 cups torn roasted seaweed snacks and 1 cup wasabi peas.

Maple Pecan Popcorn: Heat 2 cups sugar, 1 cup maple syrup and 1/2 cup light corn syrup in a large pot until it reaches 260 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 12 minutes. Add 3 cups pecans and cook 2 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons butter until melted, then pour over 16 cups hot popcorn; toss to coat. Spread on baking sheets and let cool.

Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: Drizzle 6 tablespoons melted butter over 12 cups hot popcorn; toss with 4 cups cinnamon cereal (such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch), 1/3 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

So grab some friends, popcorn and a blanket and cozy up for a fun filled night of movies and laughs!

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← Older posts

Category Archives: Party Rentals

Celebrating While Social Distancing

Video Chat Parties

Deck the Halls

Play Fun Backyard Games

GAMES

Want to kick it up a notch…rent these for your event!

FOOD & DECOR

Tips for a Successful Fall Festival

Throw a School-wide Fall Festival

amoonjump4u@gmail.com or 630-833-4386!