Project brief/

A "Night at the Carnival" was the lively theme for the 350 guests attending the 2019 Fur Ball at the 23rd Street Armory, The night started at 7pm with boozy snow cones, elevated concession fare,  Sideshow acts like fortune teller,  "Makenzie the Magnificent, IJM Miss Pennsylvania as "Pennsylvania's Strongest Woman", and "Miraculous Healing Puppies". At 9pm, the second half of the venue was revealed showcasing a massive black & white striped dance floor, DJ, dance performance, carnival performers, dunk tank and boozy ring toss, not to mention dessert stations and more savory treats. 

​

Lighting - We wanted to create an ethereal environment to convey a dreamy carnival atmosphere. Lavender ambient lighting and light pink breakups covered the area used for the cocktail hour. The second half of the space housing the dance floor, performers and games,  was illuminated in a deeper fuchsia. Cafe lights with random purple bulbs hung overhead attendees on the dance floor, while a slow fog enveloped the area. 

​

Entertainment - Talent was an instrumental component of this event. Guests were greeted with live music from a blue grass ensemble complimenting the carnival theme.  Various activation stations were created for Sideshow entertainment and carnival games. A "kick-off" dance performance unveiled the second half of the space and a stilt walker, aerialist, sword swallower and juggler roamed throughout the venue. 

​

Decor Highlights - There were several elements that created the whimsical carnival theme including the use of 1000 feet of white pennant flats hanging above attendees and the custom signage displayed throughout the event. The idea of a dreamy carnival meant that there needed to be a combination of whimsy rustic. This was achieved through some of the custom-built elements. Anchoring the space was the Midway Bar, a large four-sided striped bar with marquee-style signage, along with the Tickets Station and the Snow Cone bar. To elevate the dreamy aspect, a 10' multicolored ribbon-wall photo backdrop was created for the Strongwoman area, black & white tents with fabric curtains were used for the Sideshow attractions, and a mixture of oversized balloons and balloon garland emphasized elements in the space.