Decorating for a Country Fair Party

The focus for my studies is in human trafficking. My internship at TRUST primarily focuses on domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST), where "minor" refers to the age of the victim, not the degree of offense. When it comes to trafficking- all offenses are MAJOR. So, it is a rather harrowing topic, but not as harrowing as the life the individuals trapped in this situation are leading.

Last night, TRUST and the Arizona Attorney General's office sponsored a screening of a new feature-length documentary on sex trafficking of minors (children). It is called Tricked, produced by Jane Wells. TRUST and the AG's office are doing another free screening on April 21. You should go. The reservation button for April 21 hasn't been put on the website yet, but I am pretty certain it is going to be at the same link. Give them a few days, then go here to reserve your free tickets. 

Today, I am going to tell you about something fun, colorful, and cheery. One year ago, or two years ago... at some point in the past my friend's son got married. They had a casual reception with a "Country Fair" theme. When I have the time, I rather love to plan and decorate for themed parties. I did a Harry Potter Party for my daughters a couple of years ago. It was superb. Go check it out. Then come back and finish this one.

I made- yes, I made- probably a couple hundred feet of pennant bunting to hang in her covered porch area in her backyard to make it festive.

The pennant bunting I made to give it a festive, country fair feel.

 My friend was planning on renting a cotton candy machine and popcorn machine. I made a Kissing Booth just to add to the fair ambience. I thought it came out rather awesome.

I made this kissing booth, just for more retro-fair fun. Plus, it was a wedding reception, so I thought it would be rather cute.

 For table decorations, I gathered up miniature ferris wheels and other rides you'd see at the fair to put in the middle of the table. I also got rolls of tickets- you know, like ride tickets- to accent the center pieces.

one table centerpiece with a Double Ferris Wheel and rolls of tickets.

Below is a photo of the largest ferris wheel I had. It is probably 18"-24" tall. It is a replica of the very first ferris wheel ever made. It even turns and plays music. The "observation wheel" or "Chicago wheel" was 264 ft tall and was invented and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. for the 1893 World's Fair: Columbian Exposition that was held in Chicago, IL to celebrate the 400 anniversary of Christopher Columbus' sailing to the "New World" in 1492. The wheel would later be known as the "ferris wheel", so named after its inventor. It was made to rival the Eiffel Tower built in Paris, France for the 1889 world's fair. It was used in the St Louis World's Fair in 1904. In 1906 the Ferris Wheel was destroyed by controlled demolition. I have no idea why!

This is an exact replica of the original "Observation Wheel" invented by George Ferris for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.

And, the food service table- more cute decor items I brought to add to the fair theme. It turned out so fabulous.

I brought the ticket rolls, mini fair ride, a large wire ferris wheel in the back ground, wire baskets, candle stick holders, bird cage and candle, lanterns, and 4-tiered serving plate to use on the food serving table.