“Ice cream, soda water, lemonade”  goes the old jump rope rhyme. To passersby the thought of such refreshing treats to stave off the hot temperatures of summer sounds good. You can almost feel the coolness sliding down your throat, can’t you?

One summer treat sure to be popular is the snow cone. Snow cone stands draw crowds every summer. Lines of kids and adults alike wait impatiently for their favorite flavor. Grape, green apple, orange, cherry and coconut rank high on the list of favorites!

This is a perfect fundraiser idea for kids to be involved in. Summer sees dozens of small carnivals and county fairs as well as community events that are prime targets for kick starting your fundraising goals for the coming school year. Setting up a snow cone stand at one of these events is sure to be successful. You would need to talk to the event planner for the carnival or fair to see what kind of permits you’d need to set one up. You could even ask if two stands could be set up at opposite sides of the carnival or fair if the event is large enough.

Snow cone machines can now be purchased from places such as Wal-Mart and Target – check online for larger, more commercial machines. Retailers who cater to parties or events also might have them to rent. Whether buying or renting you’ll need to make sure you have enough supplies to meet the demand! Ice has a way of running low when you least expect it, and most machines require a solid block for correct shaving.

You will definitely need to stock up on the following:

•    snow cone cups
•    plastic spoons
•    large straws
•    napkins
•    assortment of flavored syrups, including but not limited to grape, green apple, orange, cherry and coconut
•    snow cone machine
•    ice

You don’t have to limit your stand to just snow cones either. Sell bake goods such as cookies or brownies, and offer plain soda for people who don’t want a cone.

Snow cone stands can also be a weekend event you host throughout the summer. Set up the stand as you would for a carnival or fair. Since this is something you’d be doing throughout the summer, have a ring toss or tic-tac-toe bean bag toss for a free snow cone. Whoever gets a ringer or a three in a row would receive a free snow cone. Make it hard enough that you don’t have to give away all your profits!

Wherever and whenever you set up a snow cone stand, make sure it’s situated in high traffic areas. Decorate your stand with bright cool colors, and add a few balloons on long ribbons to wave in the wind. This will catch the eyes of small children and adults alike!

Snow Cone Stand Fundraiser is a post from: Fundraising Ideas