Appreciation at Golden Gate Park

Food Trucks

Entertainment Options

250

Employees

1,017

Acres

Acres of Fun

When a strategy consulting firm contacted us to help them throw a team appreciation event, we were, like always, happy to oblige. They wanted a day of fun and games at California’s most sought-after staff picnic location: Golden Gate Park. Our event coordinators have rented this beautiful 1,017 acre park before, and love working alongside park staff there. It’s a gorgeous location, and we were thrilled to have this beautiful backdrop again.

It was a balmy day in San Francisco when the picnic began. We spent that morning setting up and bringing in the picnic attendants and food trucks. Nearing lunch time, the guests filed in, a buzz of chatter as they did, filling the air with palpable excitement. The air around us smelled of the food which had already begun cooking in preparation for the 250 guests. We spent the first little while giving out arm bands and filling out registrations for them, and then the fun would begin.

Team Building Field Games

Our client wanted a real team building activities experience, complete with field games for all. We’d set up not only field games, but gaming tables and carnival-style game booths. We had a vast assortment of prizes for the lucky winners of each game. Though it was a cloudy day, we set up umbrellas for the guests to relax under. As the guests moved into the main area, they were greeted by our game setups.

The company wanted a more casual gaming setup, as opposed to something rigorous like an obstacle course. We had the grassy lawn filled with entertainment. Our DJ filled the salt scented air with music as guests filed onto the lawn. First there was a nail-biting game of giant Jenga. There was also cornhole, giant Connect-4, ladder golf, and an all-time favorite, giant pong. The giant game setup attracted the attention of the kids at the picnic, tearing them away from the bubble station. After all, the cups we use are as big as they are.

The family day guests had a blast competing in these field games, as well as the rest of the entertainment. Ping pong tables, foosball, carnival games, and more were available. We set up a bounce house with a slide for the guests. It was decently sized, and the kids in particular gravitated towards it. There was a palpable buzz in the air. While the music played, there was always a hum of chatter and laughter and the soft whirring of the pumps from the bounce house. Admittedly, we had just as much fun watching the group as they did partaking in the festivities. Bubbles filled the air from the bubble station and floated about the picnic goers’ heads while they chatted, played, and enjoyed the afternoon.

Yum on Wheels

With all the excitement, it was only natural to get peckish. The smell of food wafted through the air, and it was enough to make your mouth water. Our client wanted a variety of savory and sweet vendors.

We brought in our favorite Indian food truck vendor, as well as a novelty waffle truck and an ice cream vendor. We had plenty of drinks as well for the guests who’d worked up a thirst. Some sipped soda or water, and some kicked back under the umbrellas in lawn chairs with a cold beer or wine.

We always hope our guests enjoy the festivities and carry the wonderful memories they made forever. Of course, we also provided keepsakes for them, so they could always look back on this event with a smile. Not only were there the carnival prizes, but we also provided a photo booth and caricature artists. It means a lot to us knowing our clients and their employees will have tangible keepsakes of company picnics we throw for them.

35 Years & Still Love Everyday

The afternoon drew to a close near 4:00. Rather than a melancholy moment, we always feel fulfilled and satisfied when a wonderful family day starts wrapping up. All the guests were smiling and chatting as events started wrapping up. We could see they’d had a good day, and that makes it all the better.

Guests filed back to their cars, and the previously lively park fell quiet. While machinery did still whir and birds still chirped, it was noticeably less bustling, less energetic. Now it was time for us to return to work. While breaking down the setups and packing everything away, we felt pleased knowing everyone had enjoyed themselves. We knew these good times would carry with them back to the office, just as they would carry with us back to ours. Even after 35 years coordinating events like this, everyone in A Company Picnic still loves watching our guests have such a good time. It’s what we do; we want to give people a good time. We left that day knowing our work was done. The picnic was a success, and our clients had a blast. Now, it was on to the next.