Involvement in a kids birthday party

[Anuta77]

My SD just turned 15, they are latin, so it's a special date and the mother wants a big party (SD only invited 4 friends and us). Most of the guests are the mother's and her boyfriend's friends.
We live about 35-40 min away. What kind of involvement, other than monetary, is expected from the father?

My DP was asked to bring things (some ballons, candy, table cloth, i.e. things that are easily bought near by and especially IN ADVANCE), which means that he would have to get there early, which means that me and my kids either would get there early with him and do nothing (and the mother was never nice to me) OR we would have to drive there separately, look for parking (very difficult), I don't drive well in the dark, extra gas spending (very expensive now), etc. I found that it's too much hassle for something that they could easily do, but maybe I'm wrong. I'm used to organise my parties alone with some help from my partner.

*Nor can you just expect not to make any contribution. The thing to do was ask how much it was and what contribution was needed. He didn’t really intend to organise/contribute nothing for her only party, surely? Very different to holding two parties and each parent covering the one they throw.

I’m the step mum in these circumstances and would be astonished if my husband thought he could just turn up having contributed nothing, especially for an 18th or other big celebration.*

Totally disagree with this & very much agree with @AndSoFinally & with @aSofaNearYou.
I can remember my solicitor driving home the point that my exh had NO obligation to contribute to non necessary extras I believed in & vice versa. Eg, I might think piano lessons are very important & he might not.
I have never once asked my exh for any contribution to a party. If he wants to throw another party he can but I do not expect him to contribute to something of my choosing - my home, my income, my choice as to how I spent it, & likewise for him.