My Big Day Events Blog: Weddings, Events, Deals, Ideas, Planning, Colorado in the Know!

COVID-19 RISK ASSESSMENT FOR FAMILY ACTIVITIES

6/24/2020

With COVID-19 numbers increasing in parts of the country, many of us with kids (My Big Day and “Loveland Drive-In” employees included) are wondering what we can do to keep our families entertained outside of the house and how safe those activities really are. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated information about the risk level of various activities. We are pleased that drive-in shows continue to be listed as one of the safest activities for families this summer.

See our COVID-19 risk assessment for family activities list below!

High-Risk Activities
(from “Covid 19 Risk Calculator ,” ABC News, updated June 19, 2020)

Yoga/workout classes/gym

Why:“Lots of sweaty strangers in an enclosed environment, what could go wrong? You’ll also be tempted to wipe sweat off your face, potentially touching your eyes and mouth area, making the risk even higher.”

Vacation

Why: Even if you “wear a mask and gloves in the airport and on the airplane, you take the first flight of the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of overnight cleaning on the airplane, the airport isn’t crowded, and passengers on the plane are seated with empty seats between them,” the risk is high according to the article’s doctors. “You could do everything right, but at the end of the day you’re at the mercy of your fellow passengers’ health and hygiene.” There is also a risk that, if cases suddenly increase in your area of travel, you will not be able to return home for weeks or months.

Visiting grandparents

Why: It doesn’t matter if case numbers are low in your area, if you avoid staying in hotels, or if you have your entire family tested before the visit, “Grandparents are always going to be a higher risk population. And remember, you can test negative one day and contract the virus the next.”

Graduation/Independence Day/birthday party with 20 friends and family members

Why: The highest-risk activity on this list, it doesn’t matter if your invitees have been mostly staying home or come wearing masks – no one can wear a mask while eating or drinking, and adding alcohol into the mix makes people less likely to be vigilant. And, unless you have 40 bowls on hand and the time to individually dish out chips and salsa to each of your guests, there will be shared food handling involved.

Medium-Risk Activities

Dinner party with 3 or fewer friends

Why: Even if everyone washes their hands and has been following social distancing advice, your attendees won’t be able to wear masks while eating. You can make this activity slightly safer by eating outside, 6 feet apart, and using disposable (biodegradable, please!) dishes and cutlery.

Kids’ Summer Camp

Why: Campers should be kept in groups of 10 or less with no intermixing and as much outdoor time as possible. However, during hot summer months it is usually impossible to keep children outside at all times.

Low-Risk Activities

Camping

Why: If you maintain social distancing, eat only food you brought from home, wear masks whenever you are around other people and use hand sanitizer regularly, camping is a low risk activity.

Drive-in Movies/Concerts

Why: As long as cars are parked 6 feet apart, employees wear masks when interacting with customers, and you maintain your distance from others when outside of your car, drive-in shows are one of the safest out-of-the-house activities this summer. At the Loveland Drive-In, we go the extra mile with even more precautions:

By staggering our cars in a checkerboard pattern, we keep vehicles 10 feet apart rather than the required 6
Our employees monitor bathroom lines to be sure people are maintaining their distance from each other and that there are no more than 3 people in line at a time
We also regularly disinfect our restrooms with an aerosol spray for airborne germs and a bleach spray for solid surfaces like faucets and toilet handles

The Loveland Drive-In abides by the CDC’s advice on their latest “Deciding to Go Out” information page (updated June 15, 2020):

Choose places where there is limited sharing of items and where any items that are shared are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between uses. You can also choose to visit places that share, post, or announce that they have increased cleaning and disinfection to protect others from COVID-19.

Can you keep 6 feet of space between you and others? Will you be outdoors or indoors? Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces where it might be harder to keep people apart and there’s less ventilation. Choose outdoor activities and places where it’s easy to stay 6 feet apart, like parks and open-air facilities.

Use visual reminders—like signs, chair arrangements, markings on the floor, or arrows—to help remind you to keep your distance from others. (At the Loveland Drive-In, we have “X”s spray-painted on parking spaces in a checkerboard pattern to remind attendees not to park too close to others.)

Will I need to take public transportation to get to the activity? Public transit can put you in close contact with others. By nature, at a drive-in, you BYOV (bring your own vehicle)!

Before you go somewhere, call and ask what extra prevention strategies they are using, like requiring staff to wear cloth face coverings. Visit our FAQ and Code of Conduct pages for the Loveland Drive-In to see some of the precautions we are taking to make sure your family stays safe!

There’s still time to join us for some low-risk family fun this summer! Tickets available HERE!

TIPS FOR MORE FUN AT THE DRIVE-IN MOVIES!

6/6/2020

Summer is here and now, so is the Loveland Drive In Movie Theater!

This pop-up, family-friendly entertainment venue was born out of our (My Big Day’s) response to the Coronavirus. We wanted to build a safe entertainment option for families to take advantage of during our safer-at-home orders, while at the same time, support a deserving non-profit and local businesses that were impacted by all of the coronavirus closures. The pop-up Drive In fundraiser achieves both of these goals!

We are so excited about this summer opportunity, and we know you are too. We’ve come up with a few ideas to make your family’s trip to our Drive In safe, successful, and fun!

First off – planning ahead will ensure that your family has fun. Because we are operating during a time of social distancing, pre-planning and organization MUST include thoughts of safety. Our safety guidelines are spelled out on our website here within our Code of Conduct: https://www.lovelanddrivein.com/code-of-conduct.html Please make sure you read through this before your show.

Tips for more fun at the Drive-In Movies!

Here are a few more tips that we have compiled to help ensure that you and your family are comfortable and have as much fun as possible.

1.   Arrive early to grab the “perfect” spot.
Our team will be helping to direct traffic to their assigned spots. Arriving early will ensure that you won’t be stuck in a long line of cars, and you’ll be placed closer to the big screen. The Loveland Drive In will allow entry 45 minutes before the movie call time.
MBD Pro-Tip: Most Drive-Ins are requiring that you purchase your tickets online in advance. This is our policy, and it helps us restrict capacity to provide for safe social distance between cars.

2.   Consider bringing your own portable radio and extra batteries.
We are encouraging attendees to turn their cars off during the movie – for environmental and safety reasons. While you can broadcast your sound through your car’s radio, you can avoid the possibility of running down your car’s battery by using a portable radio that runs on batteries.
This will be an ever better alternative if you should choose to set up chairs in your pick-up bed or in front of your vehicle.

3.   Bring body essentials.
Don’t forget to pack the bug spray, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Our experience is different because we can show movies during the day. However, due to the nature of this activity – you will be out, exposed in the sun. Don’t forget to lather up with the sunscreen so you don’t leave with a nasty burn!

4.   Satisfy your hunger!
We encourage you to bring money and have your phone ready so that you can order some tasty treats from our food and beverage vendors on site. Some proceeds from food sales will also be benefiting our non-profit, Thompson Education Foundation.

You may also bring food with you. Please make sure that you follow our food/beverage guidelines if you choose to bring your own treats.

MBD Pro Tip: Check out our vendor partners listed for each showing. They will have links that you can use to order food online. Review their menus before you arrive so you can plan ahead.

5.   Wear appropriate and comfy clothes.
There will be limited shade, and you will be sitting in a parking lot for the duration of the movie. Make sure you are wearing comfortable, seasonally appropriate clothing.
Also – don’t forget, even summer evenings can get chilly in Colordao! If you are attending the late show, you might want to pack a jacket or some blankets.

6.   Comfortable seating options.
We know some of you will watch the movies from the comfort of your car, but we also encourage you to pack camping chairs, mats, pillows, and blankets.

7.   Have a bathroom plan.
There will be bathroom facilities available on site. However, we also know that some may not be comfortable using public restrooms at this time. Planning ahead, and trying to go before you arrive can lessen your chances of having to use the public restroom during the event.
We want to assure all participants that the public facilities will be routinely cleaned throughout the day. Packing extra hand sanitizer and wipes aren’t a bad idea either.

8.   Relax and have fun!
We are so excited to bring this fun event to all Northern Colorado families! This event is designed to encourage fun and bonding for families. Relax, enjoy, and have fun at the movies!

Health & Safety Reminders

My Big Day wants this to be a fun and memorable event for you and your family, and therefore, your safety is of utmost importance to us. The Loveland Drive-In was built around all state and local guidelines regarding COVID-19. While we are keeping up to date on all law changes and how they affect events, we kindly ask that you follow all guidelines and event rules, so that everyone can have a healthy, safe, and enjoyable time. If you are unsure of the local health and safety guidelines, please visit:
https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19

Contact My Big Day

"Dream Big, Live Big. For Life's Events!"
Original Ideas, superior strategies, your own private party planner.

~Event Planning, Coordination & Management~

My Big Day llc

Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068
Email Us

Located in Loveland, CO

As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken

NoCo Style Magazine features our Fiesta for The Family Center

10/3/2019

Thank you to Northern Colorado's NoCo Style Magazine for featuring our last community event (a fundraiser), "Fiesta for The Family Center!"

We were privileged to work for such a wonderful organization, serving kiddos and families all over Northern Colorado.

Click here for a link to their article about this event.

c/o desk chair
201 E. 4th Street Loveland, CO 80537
Phone: (970) 226-6400
Email: info@nocostyle.com
Copyright ©2019 Mountain Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

Mom's Big Day Mother's Day Event

4/18/2018

At My Big Day we are known for our Signature Events, celebrating holidays, scavenger hunts, goofy sports, galas and balls - and now, celebrating MOM.

We have partnered with our friends at DIY Creations to host a creative way to spend time with your mom, other mom friends, or even spouse this Mother's Day weekend.

Concept: We've packaged together everything you enjoy when celebrating the mom in your life: Arts & Crafts project + Mimosas + Yummy food + Time together!

Date: Saturday, May 12th, 2018

Times: 2 options available - 10am-12:30pm and 1pm-3:30pm

Ages: The projects available are recommended for ages 10+

Location: DIY Creations, Loveland Outlets, 5625 McWhinney Blvd
Loveland, CO 80538

Package: 1 craft (normally $45+), 1 mimosa, delightful finger foods, cash bar, time with Mom - Just $45 per person

Tickets can be purchased HERE

Q&A

Q: Can only 2 people register, or can a group of us go?
A: You can register as many people as you'd like!

Q: Can I do this with my other mom friends, rather than little kids?
A: Of course! However you want to celebrate Mother's Day is up to you!

Q: Would my husband enjoy this?
A: Sure! We have tons of couples craft together at DIY Creations. Bonus: They have a full bar!

Q: Is the menu a full sit-down meal?
A: No, we designed the food to be easy to eat while you craft and visit. It is not a full lunch, but there is plenty of variety! Menu listed below.

Q: Can I purchase tickets through DIY Creations?
A: No, tickets are only available here, on the My Big Day website

Menu provided by Fresh Plate Catering:

Fresh Fruit & Domestic Cheese Plate with Artisan Crackers
Mini Muffins & Scones
Deli On A Stick: Honey Ham, Baked Turkey, Cheddar Cube, Tomato & Pickle
Fresh Veggie Cups with House Ranch
BLT Crostini with Basil Aioli

Cash bar and free mimosa (alcohol for adults only) provided by DIY Creations!

2015 Easter Egg Hunts for Kids and Families in Northern Colorado

3/31/2015

Looking for an Easter Egg Hunt for the kiddos in Greeley, Windsor, Loveland, Berthoud, Estes Park, Masonville, Evans, Erie, Mead, or Fort Collins? We had trouble finding one place with all the 2015 Easter Egg Hunt options, so we searched all over and came up with the following list.

* Be sure to call ahead for additional information and to confirm that the Easter Egg Hunt is still happening.

Enjoy!
-The My Big Day Team

Windsor Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt
Tenth Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Sponsored by Windsor Kiwanis
This is a free event open to everyone! When: Saturday, April 4, 2015
Where: Windsor High School Soccer Field, 8695 Windsor Road
Who: All children, age 9 years and under
Time: The hunt will begin at 10 am sharp! Be sure to arrive about 15 minutes early.
Bring your own Easter Basket - Kids will find candy-filled plastic eggs.

Intergenerational Easter Egg Hunt, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday 4/2, Rigden Farm Senior Living, 2350 Limon Drive, Fort Collins. Children of all ages are welcome to join Rigden Farm's annual Intergenterational Easter Egg Hunt. Rain or shine. Information: 970-224-2700. Website: www.rigdenfarmseniorliving.com

Easter Egg Hunt in Masonville: 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday 4/4, Buckhorn Presbyterian Church, 8762 N. County Road 27, Loveland. The Buckhorn Presbyterian Church will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt. Children of all ages are invited to have a grand time searching the grounds of the church for candy-filled eggs. Information: 970-667-2308. Website: www.buckhornpres.org

Free Community Easter Egg Hunt: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday 4/4, Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Stuart St., Fort Collins. All ages are welcome for a fun morning of hunting for eggs, meeting the Easter Bunny, playing games, enjoying tasty treats, and listening to an inspirational kids' message. Information: (970) 482-1226. Website: www.trinitylutheranfc.org

Easter Egg Hunt at the Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Bring your basket to collect hidden eggs throughout the front lawn of the historic Stanley Hotel on Easter Sunday, April 5th. The hunt starts at 1pm!

Gulley's Easter Extravaganza: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday 4/4, Gulley Greenhouse, 6029 S. Shields St., Fort Collins. Celebrate Easter with something for the entire family, including free face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, real baby bunnies and more. Information: 970-223-4769. Website: https://www.facebook.com/GulleyGreenhouse?ref=br_tf

Downtown Greeley
April 4: Easter Egg Hunts for children age 3 and under begins at 10 a.m., ages 4-6 at 10:15 a.m. followed by a "more strategic hunt" for ages 7-12. East side of Lincoln Park and the Eighth Street Plaza, Greeley, CO
greeleydowntown.com

OPTIMIST EASTER EGG HUNT
Start: April 4, 2015 at 10:00 am
Location: Windsor Main Park - 3rd and Elm Street - Windsor, CO
Details:Great fun for the whole family. The Optimist Club of Windsor host and sponsor the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Have your children bring their Easter Baskets or sacks to put their Easter Eggs in.

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Collins/Greeley: Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Fort Collins Site- Saturday, April 4, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Greeley Site- Saturday, April 4, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
We begin with a short program with Mark Thompson who has been successfully delivering God's message of love, devotion and forgiveness for 20-plus years with his incredible gifts of ventriloquism, song and comedic puppetry.
Children and preteens are then dismissed by age for an Easter egg hunt (inside or outside, weather permitting). We usually put in a good word and receive a special appearance from the Easter Bunny (great photo opportunity!).

Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt at Sylvandale Guest Ranch, Loveland – SOLD OUT
4/5/15 You will be pleased to find traditional fare filling the holiday buffet overflowing with fresh home baked breads and rolls, crisp greens, fresh fruit, and colorful vegetables. Our flavorful entrees feature glazed pit ham and a variety of vegetarian options. Save room for tasty homemade desserts!
Hey, kids! Bring your Easter Basket …and take part in Sylvan Dale’s Golden Egg Hunt. Our resident Easter Bunny will be on hand to greet you! If you find the Golden Egg bring it to the Easter Bunny for a prize.

Antioch Community Church - egg hunts for children, Easter egg hunts for infant, Easter egg hunts for toddlers, Easter egg hunts for all ages (includes adults), The Easter bunny will make an appearance, Visits and photos with the Easter Rabbit, Tents or other provisions are made for bad weather, FREE admission, Children's crafts, Other activities for children, Bring a basket to collect the eggs!, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, inflatables/bounce house. City Park, Intersection of Mulberry & Bryan, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Phone: 970-222-8339. Email: Info@antiochfc.org. Event date and time: Saturday, April 4, 2015 from 11am to 1pm (hunt starts at 12:30pm).

Calvary Bible Church - Easter egg hunt
615 Evans St, Erie, CO 80516. Phone: 303-442-3484. Email: info@calvarybible.com. Event date and time: Saturday, April 4, 2015 from 10am-12pm. Families come anytime between 10am and 12pm for a unique and special egg hunt. Bring your kids (toddler through 5th grade), baskets, and blankets to a family-friendly egg hunt that includes a special craft, food, games and SURPRISES. Rain or shine! Each year, the Egg Hunt at Calvary Bible Church is a key ministry event that we use to reach people in our community with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We impact young children, their parents and even grandparents and other relatives with a very God-centered Easter event. It's meaningful and it's FUN! You can be a part of the team that helps to make this ministry high impact

Easter Egg-Stravaganza - Easter egg hunt
Bethel Baptist Church, 2307 17th Ave., Greeley, CO. Phone: 970-352-7373. Event date and time: Saturday, March 28, 2015, from 9am-12pm. Our annual FREE Easter Eggstravaganza!! There will be free breakfast, egg hunts, dance class, live music, face painting, bouncy houses, giveaways and more. Bring the whole family! Free egg hunts separated by age group, Registration from 9:30 -10 am, events begin at 10 am In case of inclement weather, check website for postponement details.

Town of Mead Easter Egg Hunt, 9 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015
Founders Park -Starts promptly at 9:00 a.m- at the corner of 9th St. & CR 34 1/2, Mead, 970-535-4477.

Berthoud High School Easter Egg Hunt, April 4th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For tots to 5th grade, divided by age group for the hunt. Games, prizes, FREE hotdogs, crafts and more. 850 Spartan Ave., Berthoud, CO.

My Big Day Events is home of the NoCo Easter Keg Hunt.
This annual event takes place in Loveland and Fort Collins.
It is the ONLY Easter Scavenger Hunt for ADULTS! The NoCo Easter Keg Hunt sells out every year!
To learn more about this event, click the link below.
To sign up to be on our event mailing list, email us by clicking the newsletter link.

Easter Keg Hunt

MBD Newsletter

Have Fun. Be Young. Let us know how we can help!
Original Ideas, superior strategies, your own private party planner...

Christine Kovacs Forster, Owner/ Party Planner
My Big Day llc
Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068
Email Us
Located in Loveland, CO
As event planners, we serve the entire front range;
Northern Colorado, Southern Wyoming and mountain venues.

Event Site Review: Pelican Lakes, Windsor CO

7/31/2014

The My Big Day team recently interviewed Taylor with Pelican Lakes and Water Valley, Windsor's event center, wedding site and golf course.

Whether you picture an indoor or outdoor reception Pelican Lakes can accommodate your dream. Looking for a beach wedding in the mountains? The two are hard to find, but there is a sandy beach and small island, suitable for wedding vows in front of your guests (up to 180 people).

While some brides look for venues offering a DIY option, Pelican Lakes truly is a full-service option for brides who don't want to worry about juggling multiple vendors and contracts. All catering, bar, tables, chairs, and service staff are offered with their event package. While you may pay a little more up front, a full-service event package helps make your day stress-free. As event planners, the My Big Day team appreciate brides who hire us when booking with Pelican Lakes, as we are able to focus on the larger details and pampering our clients vs. setting up tables, chairs, lines, etc.

For corporate, company, or family events, the Water Valley Banquet Room is flexible, and offers some of the best views in Northern Colorado!

Not only is the event space kept very clean, the decor is a mountain/rustic theme, which appeals to most Coloradoans.

For more information about events at Pelican Lakes or the Water Valley Banquet space in Windsor, CO, visit their website HERE.

Event Site Review: Party Island

7/11/2014

Recently My Big Day visited Party Island in Fort Collins to learn more about their event spaces for our clients. Kelly Benedict gave us a fantastic tour!

With 3 different event spaces to pick from, up to a 400 person capacity, Party Island can be the perfect space for your next event, no matter what the occasion!

My Big Day often finds that some of our clients specifically seek out venues where you can choose your own caterer. Party Island does offer a preferred caterer list, but you can also 'pick your own!'

Their packages include something for everyone: a boat ride for you and your guests to/from the island, grills, fire pits, volleyball, water trampolines, canoes, slushie machines, stereo system, horseshoes, paddle boats and MORE!

My Big Day loves and original event venue... and Party Island is most certainly that! A tropical island in the middle of Colorado is certainly rare.

Contact Kelly at Party Island for more information:
islandpromotionevents@gmail.com

Easter Egg Hunts in Northern Colorado 2014

4/15/2014

My Big Day is known for our annual Easter Keg Hunt for adults. But many of our party participants have kiddos too, and look forward to an annual Easter Egg Hunt for little ones.

My Big Day did some research, and here are all the Easter Egg Hunts we could find in Northern Colorado for Easter weekend 2014.

The following cities have hunts for the kids:
Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Estes Park, Longmont, Wellington, Milliken, and Berthoud.

4/18/14   Easter Bunny for the 8th annual Easter Eggstravaganza! - WINDSOR
Come join the Easter Bunny for the 8th annual Easter Eggstravaganza! There will be open gym activities for you and your child to enjoy together along with a gigantic Easter Egg hunt all around the Community Recreation Center, so bring your Easter Basket to fill up! (Easter egg hunt will be held outside if weather permits)
Ages 3 - 5 years (or at parents discretion)   Date: April 18    Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Windsor Community Recreation Center Address: 250 N. 11th St. Windsor, CO 80550
Contact: 970-674-3500     Cost: $3 - pre-registration (until April 17) $5 - day-of registration

4/19/14 Jaycees Annual Easter Egg Hunt - FORT COLLINS
Easter egg hunts for children, Easter egg hunts for infant, Easter egg hunts for toddlers, The Easter bunny will make an appearance, Visits and photos with the Easter Rabbit, FREE admission, Bring a basket to collect the eggs!,
207 Peterson Street Library Park, Fort Collins, CO 80524. Phone: 612-978-3570. Email: laura.godsman@gmail.com. Event date and time: Saturday April 19, 2014 at 10:00am. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. Volunteers are always appreciated! If you would like to volunteer please R.S.V.P to Laura at the email address above and be prepared to arrive at the park at 7:30 a.m. on the 19th. This Easter Egg Hunt is bound to be a huge success and bundles of fun! Hope to see you and your families there! Don't forget to bring your baskets and cameras to capture life long memories!. 0-12 years of age.

4/19/14 Longmont Easter Egg Hunt - LONGMONT
Roosevelt Park: The event is FREE and the hunt is open to all children ages 8 and under. We will have a bounce house/slide, face painting, balloon artistry, a puppet show, and more! This year we have more eggs, more prizes, and more fun planned for all participants. Please join us from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM for all events. The egg hunts have staggered starts by age group and will begin at 10:45. Please grab your Easter baskets and join us for a fun day in the park.Hosted by White Fields Community Church.

4/19/14 Easter Eggstravaganza Hunt, Carnival & Larimer County Food Drive - FORT COLLINS
at 11 a.m. April 19 at Foothills Assembly of God, 305 W. Swallow Road, Midtown Fort Collins. Free food, refreshments, raffle prizes and games. Information: www.foothillsassembly.com.

4/19/14 Gulley Greenhouse & Garden Center - FORT COLLINS
6029 S. Shields St., Fort Collins, invites the public to its annual Easter Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19. The bunny bonanza will feature a number of free holiday activities, bunnines for petting, and free face painting. The Terrarium Fairy Garden class will be offered at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Information: www.facebook.com/GulleyGreenhouse.

4/19/14 Wellington Community Easter Egg Hunt- WELLINGTON
April 19th at 1:00pm located at Harvest Farm at 4240 East County Road 66 in Wellington. They will have Face Painting, Games, Prizes, Refreshments, and a Meet and Greet with the Easter Bunny. Ages 0-11 are welcome to participate, they will start with ages 0-3 and when they are done they will move to the next age group.

4/19/14 Redeemer Lutheran Church - FORT COLLINS
Easter Egg Hunt- April 19th at 10:30 and going through 12pm.
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greeley Easter Egg Hunt - April 19th at 2pm and going through 3:30pm. They will have the Christian Entertainer Gene Cordova to provide ventriloquism, illusions, comedy and balloon animals before the easter egg hunt. The Easter Egg Hunt is available for 5th graders and under.

4/19/14 Jax Eggstravaganza! - FORT COLLINS & LOVELAND
On April 19th the North College Jax Location will be hosting the Easter Egg Hunt starting at 10am for the 3 and under age group, 11am for the 4-6 year olds, and 12pm for the 7-12 year olds. If you go to the Ranch and Home Location in Loveland they will be doing pictures with the Easter Bunny from 11am-1pm.

4/19/14 Annual Grace Place/Community Colorado Easter Egg Hunt - BERTHOUD
(Come rain, snow, wind or shine): FREE Saturday, April 19 11:00 am Berthoud High School
Huge Easter Egg Hunt for kids zero - 5th grade - Hunt divided by age, including a toddler spot - Free hotdogs, changes to win great prizes, games, Inflatables, crafts, face painting, live band & more
Special Prizes for the first 500 families through the gates - Sponsored by Grace Place and local businesses www.GracePlace.org

4/19/14 Easter Eggstravaganza - MILLIKEN
Description: What will you find? A free Easter Egg Hunt; to include prizes and pictures with the Easter Bunny. This is a community event that takes place in the springtime, and allows children (up to 11 years of age) and parents to run the fields of Sappington Park to search for Easter eggs. Enjoy the adventure of finding as many eggs as you are able and visit with the Easter Bunny. The Egg hunt will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Location: Sappington Park in Milliken, Colorado

4/19/14 Fox Run and Fox Creek Easter Egg Hunts - LONGMONT
Be sure to bring baskets for your children!
Fox Creek Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 19, 2014 - 10:00 a.m.
At the "Gulch" - the east end of Aspenwood Lane (east of Cedarwood)
Fox Run Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 19, 2014 - 11:30 a.m.
At the Park on Fox Run Blvd.
4/19/14 WIlder-Nests Retreats Easter Egg Hunt - LOVELAND
The Wilder-Nests Retreats Easter egg hunt will be 11 a.m. Saturday at 9144 N. Glade Road, Loveland, weather permitting. This is for children age 10 and under. Call 481-2563 for details.

4/19/14 Community Easter Egg Hunt - LOVELAND
Waypoint Church will host a community Easter egg hunt from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lucile Erwin Middle School, 4700 Lucerne Ave. Families will be treated to bounce houses, snow cones, popcorn, prizes, and more than 6,000 eggs. Festivities will be broken up by age group: toddlers age 3 and under; preschool age 4-5; kindergarten to second grade; and third to fifth grade. For details, email Nate Tyler, Pastor of Family Ministries, at nate@waypointonline.org.

4/20/14 2014 Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt - ESTES PARK
Join The Stanley for Easter with an Easter Brunch 11 AM - 4 PM for $52 per person, Ages 5-12 are $26 per child and childeren under 5 eat free. The Easter Egg hunt starts at 1 PM sharp for your little ones!
Call 970-577-4001 for reservations.

4/20/14 Easter Sunrise Service & Easter Egg Hunt - LOVELAND
New Freedom Outreach Center, 175 S. Madison Ave., is having an Easter sunrise service beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday, followed by baptisms. An Easter egg hunt for children will be at the park close to the church. An Easter morning breakfast will be served to everyone that comes. For details, call 669-1480.

False Friends; How To Handle The Ones Who Disappoint You

12/28/2013

My Big Day follows a number of event sites and wedding blogs to keep up on the latest trends. One trend (or common theme) that just isn't going away is friend envy.

If you've ever had a BIG DAY or life event centered around you, perhaps you have experienced this sad phenomenon. It's said that those closest to you can hurt you the most. We see this time and time again... someone gets engaged, has a baby, gets a work promotion, etc... and all of the sudden ONE of your friends acts out. They are rude, try to one-up you, ruin a surprise, or just spoil something for you.

Who needs a friend like that?!? Not you.
The photo below is the best visual I've seen in a while of a friend showing her lack of support for her 3 close girlfriends who all got engaged. Funny, yes. But also hurtful.

So what can YOU do to protect yourself from a friend who turns foul?

Here are some tips:
1) Ask yourself, is it something I've done? Can I make the situation better?
2) Avoid assumptions or misinformation from others. Have a conversation, if you feel comfortable doing so. Try to fix what might be broken.

If that isn't the answer or doesn't fix things...
Consider where they might be coming from. They may have a reason for being jealous or raining on your parade. Either way, it's not acceptable. Protect yourself. So...

3) Don't invite them to any upcoming BIG events in your life. They will only disappoint you.
4) Surround yourself with positive, healthy people that will lift you up.
5) Don't be a gossip. Just smile and move on. Take the high road. It always feels better.
6) Restrict that friend on Facebook (and other social media) Block them from seeing your posts, without 'unfriending' them.
7) Read Oprah's article on Friendship Detox CLICK HERE
8) Realize that people change over time, and whether you changed or they changed, you'd rather have people in your life who are happy for you. If you have to try hard to get along, then something is wrong.

As an event planner for 16+ years, I've personally seen lots of bridesmaids gone bad, mothers who ruin surprises, family members who can't control themselves or set aside past issues for ONE day of celebrating their loved one/s, co-workers stealing thunder, exes showing up unannounced, the list goes on...
We even experience it as owners of a small business. There will always be people in your life who love and support you, and then there are the rare few who don't like to see you succeed.

When you hire My Big Day Events, you are hiring your own, personal advocate. Our #1 job is to make your BIG DAY the most memorable day of your life, and to help buffer those with friend envy from ruining your moment.

Cheers!
-Christine

Holiday Party Games - Fun for the Office or the Family!

12/11/2013

Are you hosting a party over the holidays, or have you been put in charge at the office of 'company fun' at the Christmas party? Then this is for you!

My Big Day has put together a long list of fun games that you can play with friends, family or co-workers.

You can view the long list of games below, or download the PDF and print the games for yourself!

Enjoy!
-My Big Day Events

holiday_party_games_from_my_big_day_events.pdf
File Size:	209 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Gift Wrapping Game
Divide groups into pairs. Each pair of people stand around a table in front of a piece of wrapping paper, a roll of tape, scissors, ribbon, and shirt gift boxes. Each pair of players stands with one arm around the other person.
Say "Go!' and the players must race to wrap their box with one person using only their right hand and the other person using only their left hand. (Keep the other hand wrapped around the partner's waist.) The first pair to wrap their gift box wins!

Ornament Guess
A great way to start of your Christmas party is to have guests guess how many ornaments are on your tree when they walk into the party. The person with the closet guess wins!

Toothpick Tower Marshmallow Game
Supplies: Toothpicks, mini-marshmallows
Who can build the tallest marshmallow tower? It may sound simple, but you have to be super fast and some what creative to win. Suggested for ages 10 and up.

Shaving Cream Santas
Supplies: Shaving Cream, plastic spoons, and paper towels.
Divide into pairs. Each pair decides who will play Santa. The Santa covers his face with shaving cream. The other player is Santa's barber. Jingle a bell to start! The teams race to "shave" their Santas. The winning team is the first to have a clean shaven Santa and sit their spoon onto the table. To signify they are done, Santa lets out a loud "Ho ho ho"! Tip: Make this an edible game for kids with Non-dairy whipped cream.

Balloon Stomping Game
Grab a bag of Dollar Store balloons and give one to each player with some curling ribbon. The players blow up their balloon and tie them to their ankles. Now blow a horn or ring a holiday bell to start the stomping! Each party guest has to stomp the other players balloons. The more you stomp, the better your chances of winning the game. The last person to have a balloon wins! Use masking or painter's tape to mark a circle of play area on the floor.

Drunk Treasure Hunt
Hide two chests with gifts in them in two different location and keep clues leading to the treasure hidden around the property. This sounds like a normal treasure hunt game but this treasure hunt is better, with every clue a team finds in this game, a bottle of whiskey is awarded. Each member of the team will have a shot of whiskey before continuing on their quest of finding the treasure. With every clue they find it will be difficult for the teams to find the treasure as their judgment will be clouded with alcohol. The best part is both teams will get presents and every participant will enjoy, especially the ones who appreciate a drink or two.

Name those Logos
Go through several magazines and cut out advertisement symbols (ie. the VW logo dot, but not the word Volkswagon). Paste each on the white side of a 3×5 card and have everyone go around the room with an answer sheet and try to identify as many of the symbols as possible.

Dressing Up Santa
With Dress Up Santa, you'll need plenty of space to play this game - preferably a large room, where there won't be much furniture in the way.
Break everyone into 2-3 equal teams, assigning each one to its own little work area in the room. In each work area is a large cardboard box housing a Santa Claus outfit (costume, boots, hat, beard 'n all)
On 'Go', all the groups compete to be the first to dress up one of their team in the full Santa gear. Set the round for 3-5 minutes To win, teams need to use up all the items in their box and produce the best dressed Santa.

What’s in your Stocking
Divide the group in to teams of 3-5 people per team. Give each team a Christmas stocking full of holiday items that has been tied shut with ribbon. (Get the Christmas stockings ready ahead of time by filling them loosely with small non-fragile objects- candy canes, plastic holly/mistletoe, plastic non-breakable tree ornaments, etc.) Set a timer and give each team 3 minutes to feel the stocking and write down all the objects that they can identify by feeling them through the stocking. The team with the most correct items wins.

The Amazing Maze Game
This is a fun party idea for a child's party. Choose a variety of Christmas curling ribbon colors in a single roll or ball. One for each player. Tie a prize or party favor to one end of each ribbon. Hide the end with the gift on it somewhere in the house. Now, unwind the ribbon and wrap it all over the room, all around furniture, over tables, under doors, anywhere it will be a fun challenge. Tie a candy cane to the other end of the ribbon. Repeat for each player, tangling the ribbons if necessary. When the guests arrive, give each one a candy cane and have them follow the ribbon to untangle it (wrapping it around their candy cane as they go). Let them know it leads to a surprise! Then, let the fun begin!

Christmas Wrapping Pin the Bow
Wrap three large boxes. Line players up single file behind each box. Give each player a giant sticky bow, spin them around and jingle a bell to start. They must walk around the box and then pin the bow on top, return to the opposite end and sit down before the next team member goes. The first team sitting down wins.

Find Santa's Reindeer
Buy some cute Dollar Store holiday stocking stuffers. Reindeer, Angels, Santas, etc. Hide them around the house. The reindeers must be found to drive Santa's sleigh. Attach a clue to each stuffer of where the next one can be found. When they find a reindeer, they line it up next to the Santa. There are 9 reindeer to be found. When all reindeer are placed next to Santa you announce the winner. The winner is the one who found Rudolph and/or placed him in the lead position next to Santa. They win the prize of their choice!

Celebrities
This is a great game for mingling at a party. Write the names of celebrities, famous people or characters on pieces of paper and stick them to the forehead or on the back of all the players (use tape or office Post-It notes). Make sure players don’t see the name. Everyone else can see your forehead or back. The objective is to figure out who you are. Others can make sounds, give clues, or act out who you are. Very fun and interactive indeed!

Christmas Pinata:
Finding group Christmas party games that everybody is sure to enjoy can be tough, but this idea will certainly bring back fond childhood memories for all of your guests. Pinatas aren’t limited to kids’ birthday parties any longer! It is now easy to find one in the shape of an ornament or reindeer. Fill yours with holiday candy and small toys and let your guests swing away (just be careful not to knock over the Christmas tree!)

My Big Day Blog