What were the most profitable stalls at your school fete?

[EstoyRobandoSuCasa]

And what wasn't really worth the effort?

Five weeks to go until our summer fete and it's all kicked off (again) at the PTA. Most of the members who were supposed to be organising and running the stalls have walked away from the PTA entirely (sadly, not the two people that I wish would leave, but heigh ho).

A bouncy castle and fairground ride have already been booked and I think the catering is mostly sorted, including a cake stall. And the person in charge of the raffle is staying. So, we just need some games stalls and probably a few stalls selling products.

What would you recommend, bear in mind that the number of volunteers we'll have on the day is likely to be limited due to the Old Guard's talent for pissing them all off. I thought about running away as well, but my kids love the fete and the school needs the money.

Tombola as many have said is a good money spinner. Our other big earner was teas and snacks sitting down in the dining hall but that's pretty labour intensive. We had a bbq but one of our parents had their own restaurant and ran that - I think it would be a killer if you're not used to catering. We sold 'tickets' for the activities like hook a duck from a central table which meant that children helpers didn't have to handle money. Also have some entertainment (school choir, band, talent show) to make it more of an event so all families can enjoy it without having to spend loads.

If doing this one, you need to put a paper or plastic cup over the top of the bottle so you can't tell which ones have been opened.

Agee with the cuddly toy tombola. Prize every time!

If you are lacking volunteers, could you sell stall space to suitable businesses? For example people doing henna tattoos or face painting? Would obviously need to have insurance.

Get a police car to visit - the children are often allowed to sit inside it.

Guess the number of sweets in a jar - the number closest wins the jar. Ditto guess the weight of a cake.

Or fire engine.

Carousel type rides with moving cars seemed popular if you can get that.

Popcorn, candy floss. Home made cookies and cakes (made by kids). pocket money type stalls buying the sort of stuff you get cheap in toy shops.

It’s nice to see even more suggestions. Ours is on 26th June and we have a bouncy castle, a small merry-go-round, a fire engine, some stalls selling stuff (no idea what), a raffle, a barbecue, a bar and some games including a lucky dip, Hook A Duck and Beat the Goalie. If I sound a bit vague, it’s because the two control freaks on the PTA have been making bookings but are reluctant to share information with the whole group.

But naturally, they expect us to man stalls for the entire duration, while they swan about being “floating volunteers”. 🙄

Sounds excellent.

We did a Pimms stall once. Really easy because we made it up in jugs and sat them in a tray of ice.

I think there will be Pimms. I would have liked to sell lollies as well, but the powers that be want to hire an ice-cream van.

Try and have a stall where they win a prize every time saves the disappointment and they get the pleasure of winning.

You have to have Pimms! Saved many parents lives at the last school fair bar. Refreshing too.