Press Forge’s Oversized/Wonderland Family Day

Entertainment Options

Menu Options

300

Employees

300

Minutes of Fun

A Larger-Than-Life Picnic

It was in the mid-sixties that morning when we received a request for arranging a one-of-a-kind staff picnic. Though it was winter, our client was planning ahead for their next big company outing that summer. Our client was Press Forge, a leading materials manufacturer and metal forging company. They’ve been in the business since 1978, and they know just how important each member of their staff has been throughout their journey. They wanted an unforgettable employee picnic to celebrate their team, and we, as always, were all in on the idea.

Press Forge wanted a larger-than-life staff and family day. What better way to do this than merging our Oversized theme with our Wonderland theme? Bringing in giant rides and oversized versions of classic games would be every bit as memorable as they’d hoped. The two themes sort of go hand-in-hand: fantastical and giant. We cater each picnic plan to a client’s wants and needs, and that includes merging and converging themes and ideas. Our goal is to always collaborate with our clients to formulate the perfect picnic plan for them and their staff.

Hustle and Bustle

The morning of the company picnic arrived in a hurry. It was a warm morning already when we arrived at the location, and we’d expected a scorcher when we arranged the outing. So, to beat the California heat, we’d scheduled the cookout for 3:00 that afternoon, going on until 8:00 that night. By 3:00, the sun has lost most of its vigor, and the hours following are always much more comfortable.

Our location for the day was the scenic Granada Beach in Long Beach. Press Forge had requested a locale nearby their Paramount headquarters for an easier commute, and what better place than a beautiful beach? The white sands of Granada Beach coupled with the gorgeous blue ocean make the perfect backdrop for any event. We’ve held many events at this location, and it’s never failed to set the scene perfectly. Today, though, we’d be setting up in a grassy lot with a paved area for this staff picnic. While not exactly beachfront, it would be ideal for the inflatables we brought with us.

Food & Fun

The pumps for each oversized inflatable whirred in our ears as we began setting up booths, tables, and entertainment. We’d brought eleven giant games, bouncers, and slides with us that day. Press Forge wanted plenty of classic picnic games, and we’d brought in a heaping assortment for the guests to enjoy.

The menu for that day involved a lot of masterfully grilled barbeque as well as plenty of fair-style foods. Our vendors set to work grilling pork, chicken, burgers, and hotdogs, and whipping up potato salad and coleslaw.

For the fun foods, we’d arranged churros, novelty ice cream, funnel cakes, smores, and sno-cones.

All in all, we felt there’d be a little something for everyone to enjoy.

The preparations breezed by in a hurry, and once our face painter arrived, we knew it was close to showtime. Shortly after, our guests arrived— 300 total, of all ages.

A Beautiful Sight

Staff and families climbed to the top of our gigantic slide, while others played a round of Jumbo Jenga. We’d brought in so many games, and guests seemed elated to try all of them. Luckily for them, the event would last five hours, so they’d have plenty of time to play each, and come back for a second round.

A big hit that day was Giant Connect Three, but a close runner up was Giant Ring Toss. We’d also set up Giant Pinko, a Toss Ball inflatable, and a Combo Sports Arena. Guests were free to try each at their leisure and make the most of the afternoon.

The face painter’s booth stayed busy, and, as always, he did an excellent job. His artwork is beautiful, and not just delegated to the face. The artist was creating beautiful airbrushed pieces on staff’s arms, as well. And the balloon artist did a magnificent job, too, crafting sculptures, hats, and everything in between. Pretty soon, the crowd were walking art pieces, adorned with airbrushed art and balloon decorations.

Good Times For All

The afternoon was a flurry of excitement and buzz, and before we knew it, the sun was beginning to sink into the horizon.

Our photographer, who had spent the afternoon snapping pictures of everyone, was the first to head out, about half an hour before the event closed. Before she left, she took final photos of everyone who wanted one, before heading off for the evening.

The crowd was still joyful, still jubilant, even as everything wound down for the day. It really seemed like everyone had an incredible time. We know we did. Their energy filled us, too, and we felt we could keep going as long as we needed to.

Despite our energy, the staff picnic wore to a close at 8:00 that evening. By now, the sun was casting beautiful red and orange hues across the sky. The venue was bathed in a pinkish tinge as we set to cleaning up.

The Perfect Day

Seeing how thrilled all of today’s guests were made us feel ecstatic. Press Forge had wanted an exciting, memorable family day for their valued team, and we felt we’d given them just that.

That energy we felt from the crowd was still with us. It sticks with you for a while. That’s a great thing; it carries you through the post-event work like nothing else.

As we took down booths and signage and deflated all the games from the day, we felt pleased with how well everything had gone.

The staff and their families had a great time, and we hoped they would carry these memories in their hearts forever. We knew we would.

As we went to leave the venue, we took one look back. By now, the sun had nearly faded from the sky. The venue was still, but the memories of its prior vibrance rang out in our hearts. It had been a wonderful day.