AIBU to ask MN for help 'cos I'm in a total flap!!!

[ILoveAFullFridge]

(Yes, this is a blatant reposting from a thread that wasnt getting enough traffic.)

Entertainers for ds's bar mitzva party at end Sptember have cancelled on me! They were going to do all the entertainment activities across all age groups.

I'm in a total panic now. I don't know who or how to find someone suitable at this late stage.

He's the first in his year group at the religion classes, I'm not particularly friends with any of the parents in his year group so I don't have phone numbers, and won't be seeing them until term begins inSeptember, so can't ask them for suggestions.

It doesn't really matter that its a bar mitzva, more that its a cross-generational party in a hall, for a 13yo boy, and with most if the kids being 12-13, but also many younger siblings.

I need ideas!

The entertainers were going to set up games, puzzles, activities, etc. think holiday camp/guides/scouts type things.

Contact your local college and see if they have any childcare students who could be drafted in to help you?

How about buying or renting a load of giant games and hiring a magician and someone to paint faces?
I hope you get it sorted and your DS enjoys his big day.

Not sure where you are, but there's a free magazine called J Life round here that features a lot of photos of various simchas and sometimes notes who provided the entertainment etc. Also there might be Facebook groups too where you can ask.

Good luck! Hope you get sorted.

You could try wedding sites, they often have 'kids entertainers' for weddings etc that could be the kind of thing you are looking for?

Thanks for giving me some ideas. Still in a panic, but perhaps a more constructive panic now!

Try asking the etertainers who cancelled if they have any other recommendations?

Can you ask your shul for recommendations? Have any of your nieces and nephews been bar mitzvah, maybe their parents can recommend someone?

We just had a dj at mine and everybody danced. It would never occur to me to hire a children's entertainer for a party celebrating a young person entering adulthood. Why not just have some Israeli folk dancing, everyone can join in.

No relatives in the UK.

Most guests will not be Jewish. Many will be family groups, so all ages to cater for.

Ds specifically does not want a music and dancing party.

I have left a message at the synagogue, hopefully will hear from them tomorrow.