Last year's birthday party took place at a Horse Ranch about 45 minutes from us called Faith Ranch. As I currently have my sights set on the new theme and upcoming party for Charlotte, I'm taking a moment to remember last year's theme/location. One of Charlotte's first favorite TV shows was Spirit and as she was about to turn eight, she was obsessed with unicorns. So, where else to have the 8th birthday party but at a Christian-based family-run horse ranch?!
As with Charlotte's previous birthdays, we utilized a Facebook event page to invite family and friends to Charlotte's 8th birthday party. Below is the image we used. It was from another ranch we enjoyed visiting during one of our summer adventures....one that has all kinds of amazing plants and flowers called, Groovy Plants Ranch!
Date: Sunday, March 10th, at Faith Ranch in Jewett, Ohio
Time: 1 - 3pm
Arrive by 1pm
Wear close-toed shoes (regarding the short pony ride, it’s important to wear protective shoes around horses).
Wear pants/jeans since it’s been quite chilly/cold these days.
For little ones who may need it, the parent will walk alongside the pony and hold his/her child by the back to steady the child. This is most common with pony rides, especially with kids under 2.
Parking: Literally past the ranch house, as coming up the driveway, we’ll see the cars just past the ranch house on the left side in the designated parking lot.
Two handicapped parking spots and right next to the ranch house, there is a small pull out for any who would need it.
Check in between 1 - 1:15pm
When passing the ranch house, go on the cement sidewalk that leads to the main door. This is the lobby where we will be greeted, weighed (those who are riding), and checked in…
Be in stables for the pony rides by 1:30pm — Children will be put in groups of ten. Four ponies will be available so for kiddos who are waiting for their five minutes of riding the ponies, the other children will be loving on the ponies.
Aunt Karina: monitor kiddos coming and going from dining room area to ensure everyone gets a turn with the ponies and take pictures.
Uncle Patrick: take pictures of kiddos on ponies.
38 to 39 children are planning to attend
Confirmed numbers by Wednesday, March 6th, at around 12:45pm.
Pony Rides / Learn how to care for ponies / Play games in dining room / sign Birthday Book from 1:30 - 2:30pm
Migrate to whole group back to dining room by 2:35/40pm
Readaloud of book to settle kiddos
Serve treats and dismiss by 2:55pm
Note: Treats will be served at end of party and favor bags will be sent with kiddos at dismissal!
Favors: Use these treat bags (100) — Maybe Mom and I will arrive a half hour earlier or so to set up treat bags, birthday book, and cupcakes in dining hall ??? Or maybe on Friday (afternoon / evening)..?
Unicorn slime kit (36)
Unicorn/horse figurines
Unicorn pen (24)
small horse keychain (60)
Unicorn Hair for girls (20)
Pamphlet or flyer from Faith Ranch advertising summer programming
Treats: Serve “trail mix” in large bowls and have the 50 snack cups with hearts to scoop
Sign (4 x 6”)
M&Ms
Nuts
Popcorn
Pretzel sticks
Unicorn and Horse Cookies
Unicorn Cupcakes
White or yellow cake mix
White icing
Rainbow colored for swirls/hair
Mermaid sprinkles
Black piping for eyes/eyelashes
Caramel or original flavored Bugles chips for unicorn horns
Clear or white cupcake liners
Faith Ranch will provide:
Styrofoam products (plates, cups)
Napkins
Jugs of water and Kool-Aid
Decorations - Mom and I possibly go out on Friday afternoon/evening to decorate
* Unicorn balloon from cupcakery in Dublin, Ohio
* colorful streamers and balloons and balloon air pump