The Derby is not just about horse racing. It's about the magic that makes the first Saturday in May unique in sports, fashion and style and how people come together to honor Southern traditions. You can have a casual theme such as the Infield or go with a Racing Silks theme. Set up some fun traditional games, such as, Corn Hole, Horseshoes, Derby Pool and Stick Horse Races! Enjoy live coverage of the Grade I Kentucky Oaks 138 at Churchill Downs on NBC Sports to get in the Kentucky Derby mood! Order or print race day programs so everyone can pick their horse. Print out lyrics to "My Old Kentucky Home". It's essential to make sure you have the right menu and libations to fit this occasion. With a distinct menu steeped in tradition, the Kentucky Derby cuisine consists of southern flavors and plenty of bourbon (for your...

I'm somewhat amazed at the improvement in slide technology over the past decade.  And what's great about the party slide is that it is great for kids and adults.  Trust me, your residents of all ages will get plenty of use out of it! What other rent-able pieces of equipment would be a quick party starter?

Do you want to make your next Community event memorable? Here's an idea that will provide souvenirs as well as fun. Make a photo booth. Kids and adults alike love it! Empty a closet that is roughly the size of a regular photo booth. Set up a bench or a couple of chairs inside the closet and place a sheet or screen behind the chairs (this makes for a clean, reflective back drop) Just outside the "photo booth" place a long mirror and a basket of dress-up items, you can use a coat rack for the hats and boas. Find fun glasses from Grandma's dresser, old Barbie crowns from when the kids were little, etc. Let them use their imaginations. Take picture 4 or 5 pictures of each group inside the booth, tell guests the photos will be available in an hour at a centrally located table. ...

Water balloon fights aren't for everyone and can get out of control- there is always some by-stander who accidentally gets hit by a stray balloon. How about a game of Tag? Baby powder and some tube socks makes for a super fun and very messy party. Kids of all ages would love it, but it is a perfect activity to get grown ups acting like kids Fill the toe of the sock with powder and then use it tag the others – everyone wears dark/black – the advantage is it washes out pretty easy. If you can find colored powder, change up the attire to light colored shirts.

Pick a letter of the alphabet (example: your community’s name) and have everyone wear a costume that starts with that letter. For example, if your community’s name is Woodlake Apartments, the letter would be “W”. People could show up as Wonder Woman, wizards, waitresses/waiter, or women. It’s a challenge to come up with something unique, and a lot of fun to see what other people come up with. If your property’s name is a little more complicated offering less options, go with two letters. This is a great ice breaker since people usually have an easier time being social when they are dressed up; levels the playing field. Carry the alphabet theme through to your food and beverage choices as well. Make little cards to name the food. “C” cookies, “D” deviled eggs. There are so many ways to use this theme- Get...