Month: August 2017

Categories
Tent Rentals

5 Things That Do Not Belong in an Industrial Size Tent

An industrial size tent comes in handy for so many outdoor events and needs. In fact, they can be used for everything from weddings to construction sites – and the many needs in between. Industrial size tent rentals are strong, sturdy, and beneficial. All this combined can skew your perception of your tent.

Yes, tents can be used for many purposes and much more you may never even think of. However, that does not mean they are indestructible. If used irresponsibly, these tents can be damaged and, in turn, create emergency-type safety situations for everyone encompassed by the tent’s fabric.

Before you put your rented industrial sized tent to work for you, make sure you know what to avoid and steps you can take to remain safe.

Grills

You may be tempted to slide your grill under the tent and get your cooking on. After all, the roof of the tent is so high, it couldn’t hurt, right? Wrong.

Grills pose a serious fire hazard. It only takes one drop of grease or fat from a piece of meat to spark a high flame on the grill. This may only be one large flame and it may only happen once, but that could very easily be one time too many.

In addition, cooking on a charcoal grill can lead to inhalation dangers. It is never good to breathe in burning charcoal and since a tent isn’t as ventilated as an outdoor area is, you don’t want to use a charcoal grill in these enclosed quarters.

Pyrotechnic displays

Live shows love to grasp attention from guests – especially when trying to keep the big-eyed oohs and ahhs coming. There are various lighting techniques and video screen backdrops that can get this done. But nothing excites fans more than a pyrotechnic display set to the beat of the music.

Unfortunately, as you have probably already guessed, pyrotechnic shows and tents just do not mix. They are an extreme fire risk and put everyone in danger.

Generators

Generators come in handy when using a tent – especially if you have erected your tent at a location that is not near an easy power source. These can be used to power up lights, cooking devices, and any other electronic equipment when used properly.

One wrong decision with the placement of your generator and you could have grave consequences.

Just as people can die while running a car in a garage, so it goes for running a generator in an enclosed tent. Even if you have sidewalls up, you can never judge the amount of ventilation your generator is getting. Therefore, you should move it outside the tent – and a distance away of approximately 25 feet. This will ensure that the carbon monoxide it puts off will not find its way back into the tent.

Heavy decorations

One of the most important benefits of an industrial size tent is they are strong and sturdy. Their roof is structurally supported and can handle all types of inclement weather and great wind strengths. Choosing to hang heavy decorations from the tent can compromise the structural balance and design of the temporary fabric structure.

When planning your event, keep this in mind and plan your decorations accordingly. If you have a particular piece of décor that you would like to use and you are not sure if it will create an issue, it is best to ask then to assume.

Carnival rides and other activities

There are those days when you have scheduled an outdoor event (say, a kid’s birthday party) and the weather is less than cooperative. If you have rented a tent as a precaution in case there is rough weather or to protect the kids (and parents) from the sun, then you made a very smart choice. However, if you decide to put things such as a bounce house, a dunk tank, or any various carnival rides underneath the tent, then not so much.

These items are not meant to be under anything except the sky. Should something malfunction, it could affect the tent which, in turn, could cause a lot more damage and chaos than you probably intend. In addition, many of these rides run on electricity – thus requiring a generator.

Keep your industrial size tent safe

Depending on the size you rent, your tent can seem huge and able to hold a ton of items. This perception could cause you to have a slight lapse in judgment that could end up costing you a lot more than you bargained for – even life.

Therefore, it is important to remind yourself that, although it may appear to be colossal, it is still a tent. There are still precautions that need to be followed to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

  • Most tent rentals are made with flame retardant fabric – make sure to confirm this.
  • Have a fire hydrant handy and/or easy (and quick) access to a water source.
  • Do not try to move or adjust the tent once it has been erected. Doing so could compromise the entire structure.
  • Consider using a light source other than candles. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and even these small flames can cause great damage.
  • Do not set off fireworks under the tent or near it. Remember – what goes up must come down – and that could mean directly on top of your tent rental.
  • When renting your tent, make sure to discuss what weather the tent can and cannot handle with the professionals. This will ensure that, should you encounter any harsh weather on the day of your event, you will know what to do to keep everyone out of harm’s way.
  • And lastly, have an evacuation plan. No one ever intends to have an emergency, but they happen. Be prepared and have a plan in place to get everyone to safety.

Industrial size tent rentals can offer the perfect solution to an outdoor venue hotspot. Remember that this great space is a tent and care needs to be taken to keep you and your guests safe!

 

Categories
Event Industry

6 Events to Have in an Outdoor Tent

Why would you want your guests to look at four unchanging walls during an entire event? That is what you get when you hold an event indoors. However, by choosing to have your event in an outdoor tent, you can provide your guests with any view that you wish!

In fact, there are so many perks to choosing to an outdoor event with a tent rental. Just to name a few:

  • Outdoor tents are full of room – with no poles or other structural beams in the way. That means they provide you with a wide-open space, just as an indoor room would.
  • You get to choose your location. You need an outdoor space that is big enough for whatever your event may be. And, wherever you feel is the perfect location, you can go for it! For example, if you want the beach and a sunset as your view, then have it. If you want a field of wild flowers or a mountainous landscape, it can be yours. Forget the old hotel ballroom wall paper – and let guests be surrounded by nature.
  • Tents allow you to let in as much light as you prefer since you can have windows located on the sidewalls of your tent. In fact, you can choose a tent with no windows, a tent that is completely transparent, and everything in between!

Weddings

Everyone wants to remember his or her wedding. That is why the photographer always seems to be everywhere you look. A normal conference room or hotel ball room can lead to some monotonous pictures. However, if you choose your location wisely, nature can appear in every picture.

In addition, for your reception, you will likely be looking for open space. There will be a need for tables and dining – and a place to boogie down late into the night. An outdoor tent can provide all of that and so much more. In fact, holding your big day in a tent provides you with a blank canvas to create the masterpiece you have always dreamed about.

Corporate Gatherings

Corporate events and ceremonies can usually draw a crowd. Families are usually in attendance, in addition to the employees, and having the appropriate amount of space is a necessity. Tents offer great flexibility. The sidewalls can rise in the case of a higher than expected occupancy. Guests are free to roam in and out with ease.

The size of these tents is completely customizable, based on your needs. That means clearspan tents can offer an open space for big corporate shindigs or can provide just the right space for an intimate gathering.

Live shows

Musicians, local bands, magicians, comedians, motivational speakers – these live shows work better with a stage. In addition, a wide seating area for the audience is usually much appreciated, as well. This is a definite possibility with a clearspan tent. You can obtain flooring and a stage, which will clearly separate the tent rental into sections. Thanks to there being no pole or other structural items obstructing the view, the audience at this event will be grateful.

The protection of electrical equipment is also a concern. Live shows can take a lot of planning, preparation, and financial investment – so don’t leave it to chance. One afternoon of harsh weather and no outdoor tent could create a chaotic scene and a canceled show.

Festivals

Festivals use tents for many reasons.

  • They can serve as housing for those wishing to sell their homemade or crafted items.
  • They can provide protection for crowds at various shows within the festival.
  • Tents can give housing to animals or even be the structure that holds a petting zoo for kids.
  • Food tents are also common at festivals. They provide shelter for the food and, if large enough, usually have seating for guests.
  • Very importantly, tents can provide a space for festival-goers to rest and take in some shade, especially if the festival is taking place during peak heat times.

There is no end to how handy an outdoor tent can be at a festival.

Garden party

Gardens require a lot of arduous work. If you have a green thumb and spend your free time maintaining a beautiful backyard oasis, you are surely going to want to show it off by having a garden party. However, spending all the time on your garden and preparing for your garden party, it would really be a bummer if the weather put a damper on the event.

Hence why you will need to rent a tent. Not just any tent. A clearspan tent will work best, as it provides you and your guests shelter from any threatening weather. In addition, it means that the bad weather won’t ruin your party. How so? By renting a transparent outdoor tent.

For this event, an outdoor tent works like magic. Your guests will be surrounded by the beauty you have created in your garden and, at the same time, will still be protected from the elements.

Sporting events

Sporting events that take place outside usually call for some sort of cover for either the athletes, spectators, or both. ClearSpan tents work wonderfully for outdoor sporting events:

  • The tents provide shelter from outdoor elements and inclement weather that could otherwise delay or cancel the sporting event.
  • Because they have no structural beams or poles throughout the body of the tent, there is nothing obstructing an athlete or spectators view. In addition, the lack of these poles reduces any potential safety concerns.
  • Spectators don’t want to miss a second of their favorite sporting event. The clear sidewalls of these tents can assure that nothing will be blocked from view.
  • With sporting events that are time-consuming, guests (and athletes, too) may need a space to relax and seek shelter from the sun. Heat exhaustion is real – and can be life threatening.
  • Tents can also be used as medic stations – providing a protected space to care for injured athletes.

For your next event, impress your guests with a clear span outdoor tent!

Categories
Outdoors

Go Luxury Camping in a Large Tent this Summer

There is a large variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. One of those ways is to go camping. Though, not everyone finds a thrill in sleeping outside amongst nature and giving up all the luxuries they have grown accustomed to. But, wait – there is good news! You can go luxury camping!

Believe it or not, it is possible to go camping and not miss out on anything! All you must do is take your camping experience to the next level. For example, forego things like sleeping bags and cans of beans for much more luxurious items.

Are you ready? Here’s how to go luxury camping to both enjoy the outdoors without giving up the lavishness of being indoors.

Most important necessity: a tent

Sleeping under the stars can be exciting and freeing, but it isn’t necessarily on everyone’s bucket list. Therefore, if you are going camping, you are going to need a tent.

Tents provide a lot of things for campers. Here are two of the most important:

  • Tents will protect you from the outdoor elements. Inclement weather can strike at any time, but a tent can help keep you safe and dry. They also keep your belongings safe, too.
  • Tents also work to keep bugs away. When you take up residence in the middle of the woods, you are no longer in your home, you are in nature’s home. Nature includes things such as insects, rodents, and other furry creatures. Tents can help you keep all unwanted beings out while keeping you safely in.

So how do you take a tent a make it luxurious? First, it depends on the tent. Sure, you can go to your nearest outdoor store and purchase a small tent in a box, but that will lead you to rough it. If luxury is what you want, then you will need to rent a customized tent.

Customized tents allow you to choose the size that is right for you – and however many people will be joining you on your luxury camping trip. These tents include roofs and sidewalls but can also include flooring. If you don’t want to deal with the ground and the potential for a dirty, wet mess, you will want some type of flooring. This, alone, will take you from feeling like you are sleeping on the ground to the feel of an indoor space. Lastly, if you want to go all out, you can always rent a tent with climate control. Stay warm or cool, no matter what the outdoor conditions are!

It’s all about the comforts

There are just certain things that bring comfort. For instance, a sleeping bag on the hard ground is not one of them. However, creating yourself a bed out of an air mattress (or even a regular mattress) with soft, snuggly blankets is! In other words, leave the sleeping bags at home.

Here are a few other comforts that can make your camping experience luxurious:

  • Whether you camp near a place that allows you to hookup to electricity, or if you must bring a small generator, you will want some form of electricity to make you feel a bit more at home. Make sure you bring the wire directly into your tent so it can be used for things such as charging cell phones, lighting, etc.
  • Rugs! Because you are renting a tent with hard flooring, you will want to bring some rugs to allow your feet to bask in softness.
  • Some campers unzip their tents and crawl in. Not you. A luxurious camping experience calls for seating that will make you feel like the outdoors is your living room.
  • Lighting. Don’t be stuck using flashlights or little old lanterns. Bring some lamps or string lights and hookup to the electricity. Light your tent and surrounding area in a soft glow.

Dine in elegance

Have you ever held a hot dog on a stick over an open fire? Well, now is not the time to start. Instead, this luxury camping experience calls for some classy cooking.

  • Bring fruits, veggies, and all sorts of greens. These will stay fresh without having to be refrigerated and can be used to spruce up any meal. Not to mention, flame-grilled veggies are super delicious!
  • Don’t leave the spices at home. It is all about those extra touches that can take a meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Bring the garlic, the chili pepper, the cumin, the oregano, etc.
  • Choose one pot meals that have big, bold flavor. Such as Three Pepper Chicken Chili or even this tasty power breakfast.
  • Foil can be used to grill many things. Choose your favorite and then wrap all the ingredients in foil. Place on the grill or fire. Then, voila! You have a tasty meal (that didn’t come from a can).

Don’t miss out

Just because you are camping, doesn’t mean that you can’t take in some non-outdoorsy fun. So, don’t forget to bring things such as:

  • Books for reading and relaxing.
  • Laptop computers or tablets for movie watching. Imagine taking in some of your favorite scary movies while surrounded in nature’s darkness!
  • Board games are always a fun way to pass time.
  • Painting tablets or sketch books.
  • Take turns pampering yourselves. Bring lotions and peels for massages and facials, as well as apolish for nails and toes!
  • Make sure you join in some outdoor fun – go swimming, hiking, play horseshoes, fishing, canoeing, etc. After all, it’s not every day you can do these activities.

Location, location, location

The location is perhaps the most important part of a luxury camping trip. You can have the nicest tent and tastiest meal in the campground, but if you don’t choose the best location, the rest doesn’t matter.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you want to wake up to a beautiful sunrise? Or relax in the evening to a magnificent sunset?
  • Do you prefer to be near the water?
  • What type of landscape are you looking forward to sitting outdoors and soaking your eyes in?

There are so many places to camp – you need to choose the one that is just right for you. Once you find it, set up your glamorous camp and relax!

 

Categories
Outdoors

Creating an Outdoor Space Perfect for Celebrating

Your backyard doesn’t just have to be a backyard. Sure, it may be where your kids play or it could very well be your dog’s restroom. However, don’t you think you deserve more out of your backyard? Why not create the perfect outdoor space and use it to its fullest potential?

With a little help from a tents and a little sweat and creativity, it is possible to transform your backyard from just a yard to an outdoor space that you never want to leave.

The perfect space for any celebration

Backyards are the perfect outdoor space for any celebration. People have known this for years. From backyard barbecues to kids’ birthday parties to pool parties – a backyard can hold a ton of memories. When you have your backyard decorated as a welcoming escape, it is even more inviting to you and your guests for making memories.

So, why are backyards the perfect outdoor space for celebrations?

  • They allow you to keep the mess outside. You will not have to worry about spilled drinks or dropped food.
  • Kids can run until they tire themselves out – they aren’t running through your house so you don’t care!
  • Everyone stays in one centralized location. Unlike your house, there are no rooms for guests to meander to and separate from the group.
  • Noise volume is much easier to handle if you have a bunch of people outside, rather than in.

First steps to make it more than just a yard

Think about it – when something is an eyesore, it is hard to want to be around it, right? That same thought applies to your yard. When was the last time you mowed your lawn? Have you ever formally landscaped it? Does the yard flow smoothly together or does it have harsh edges? Does your backyard have pleasing colors?

Before you can make a place that you or anyone else will want to hang out at, you must make the eyes happy. When your lawn looks good, it makes you feel good to be in it. Take some time to do some landscaping –

  • Get your lawn (if you have one) to a luscious green color and trim it appropriately.
  • Plant flowers, shrubbery, or other plants that you find nice and fitting for your yard.
  • Consider using pebbles, stones, or mulch to fill in dead areas or those areas around freshly planted areas. This makes it look well groomed.
  • If you feel like getting really creative, you can create a fountain and/or rock garden.

Your backyard should make you feel good when you are in it. It should be a quiet escape for you and your family.

The perks of a tent

So, you’ve cleaned up your yard and you are ready to show it off. However, you don’t have any overhead cover and – face it – it is hot outside this summer! The best decision you can make would be to rent a tent. You and your guests will be thankful that you did!

It doesn’t matter the size of your backyard. Tents come in all shapes and sizes so you will be sure to find the exact tent you are looking for. They provide overhead shelter from the sun. Sidewalls work to keep out other types of weather, as well. These walls can remain opened or closed – giving you options based on your personal choice (as well, of course, as what the weather decides to do).

Either way, a tent means that you can continue to utilize your backyard as much as you would like, without worry about the weather. Tents even offer clear sides so that you can enjoy all the landscaping in your outdoor space that you’ve worked so hard on.

Lighting and other electrical needs

Once you have your yard and tent in order, you will want to work on things such as lighting and other electrical needs. If you intend for your party to continue after the sun goes down – or even if you don’t intend – you will want to have a lighting source available. Not just your typical outdoor light or flood light.

You will want lighting of some sort both in and out of the tent. This will vary greatly with the celebration type. String lights always work well and give off a nice party glow. However, for more fancy affairs, you will want perhaps a chandelier or centerpiece candle lighting.

If you are in your backyard, your house should be able to supply the electricity needed. For any electrical needs, use heavy duty outdoor extension cords that are in undamaged shape.

Keep safety in mind:

  • Be sure to light any walkways or treacherous areas.
  • Take precautions when using candles or torches. Having a water source, as well as a fire extinguisher nearby is always a good idea.
  • Cover extension cords with rugs if they are on the ground. This will help prevent you and yours guests from tripping.
  • Do not overload electrical outlets. Take care to use multiple cords from multiple sources.
  • Keep flammable decorations and other materials away from candles.

Perfecting touches

To make your outdoor space perfect for a party, there are still a few last touches that need to take place.

  • Be sure to organize your backyard appropriately. You will want to make sure you have room for your tent that is away from things such as pools and grills.
  • Because you are taking your party outdoors, you will now likely be in the company of insects and various other little creatures. Provide OFF! or some other type of insect repellant for your guests. Consider using citronella candles throughout the area. Consult a local exterminator for ideas on how to keep pests at bay during your celebration.
  • Even though you will have a tent, you will want to provide things to make everyone comfortable outside – such as sunglasses and sunscreen.

Why waste this precious space? With a little work, your backyard can be an inviting oasis or place to retreat. Of course, it will also be the perfect outdoor space to throw a party!

Categories
Outdoors

5 Precautions to Prepare Your Event for Wind

Weather can be crazy. One minute it could be the sunniest day you ever saw and, before you can comment and say just that to the person next to you, it could start pouring. No matter how closely we watch the weather or study the forecast, it happens. It is the same way that you wash your car and it rains or you carry an umbrella on a cloudy day, but the clouds never let the rain fall. Mother Nature can be a feisty one. Since she doesn’t care what you have on the calendar, it’s important to prepare your event for any possible weather changes that may occur.

Just like the rain, gusty wind happens, too – even on the day of your big event. Here are some tips on how to keep your tent (and everything else) from blowing away.

Entertainment equipment

Whether you are having a wedding, a birthday bash, a corporate event, or just a plain old barbecue, you are most likely going to have some sort of electrical equipment under your tent. When things get windy, your equipment needs to go under wraps – literally. You need to prepare your event in the case of wind to avoid any damage to equipment.

  • The wind can bring down electrical wires which can lead to hazardous conditions. Wires can cause people to trip, especially in an evacuation situation. The item that the wires are coming from is also in jeopardy of moving should the wires get tossed in the wind. Make sure all wires are secured, preferably on the ground, and covered with a rug, flooring, or another type of carpeting.
  • It can also blow down projection screens, especially if they aren’t securely tied down. Make sure that, whether you have a hanging projector screen or a standing floor screen, you have it tied securely to a non-moving object.
  • Speakers are another item that you want to make sure is secured. It is common for DJs and such to stack speakers. Unfortunately, as heavy as those speakers may be, sometimes they are no match for wind gusts. Consider the dangers that could occur should one blow over and think twice to stacking the speaker boxes.

Decorations and lighting

You will want to plan accordingly and prepare your event when it comes to decorations and lighting as well. If you know that you live in an area that is subject to potential high winds, then you want to make sure you do not decorate with items such as paper lanterns with candles for lighting. Talk about a disaster!

Choose decorations that are sturdy. Centerpieces should be heavy or weighted down with something that is. If you get creative, no one ever has to know that you intentionally designed the decorations to withstand the wind. It will just look like that is how the centerpiece is supposed to look. For items such as overhead decorations, make sure they are lightweight and nothing that could cause significant injury should it come tumbling down.

Certain lighting choices can be damaging when combined with wind gusts. For example, lit candles, lanterns, or torches (yes, anything with fire). In addition, those lighting choices such as chandeliers – should they fall when attacked by fierce winds – could have a terrible outcome for anything below. Instead of any of the above, choose to go with lighting that is simple and could even blow with the wind, such as string lighting.

Food prep and display

To prepare your event from wind ruining your food, shield food presentation areas away from any potential wind gusts. If not, it could leave you with a lot of hungry guests and a mess of food on the floor. No one wants that. Even if your tables are secure, the food items atop them are not. Try placing a secured backdrop behind the service table. If this is not an option, perhaps try securing the table and the food items by weighing them down as much as possible.

As for the food prep area, the wind can not only damage your food and your equipment should a big gust come flying through. However, it can add unwanted flying debris to the recipe. For security and health safety reasons, your food prep area should always be protected. Securing a strong perimeter around this area can be beneficial to you and your guests.

It is important to note that using fire pits or grills to cook your food should be done at a far distance from the tent itself. If you are too close and high winds arrive, there is a good chance that a fire could result.

How to prepare your event tent rental

When you rent a tent for your event, you need to have a full understanding a few things:

  1. Make sure that you understand how the tent rental is erected (or, at the very least, a general idea)
  2. What type of weather the tent can withstand and for how long it can withstand it.
  3. What you need to do in case of an emergency should the weather become a threat.

Tent rentals are generally made to endure a strong amount of wind if erected right. Since a crew of professionals should have been onsite to erect the tent, you should have confidence in the wind load amounts provided.

Never, ever try to change the way the crew built the tent or add any modifications to its structure. This could void any reassurance you may have had regarding the tent’s strength against the weather.

Know the weather

The best thing that you can do to prepare your event is to watch the weather and stay updated. Nowadays, weather alerts and notifications can be sent to cell phones, letting you know in advance of approaching inclement weather. Should something arise, you will at least be warned and able to avoid any resulting injury for you and your guests.

Outdoor tent events are fun, no matter what you are celebrating. Do not let your good time go sour by letting your guard down with the weather. Don’t assume you are safe – be proactive and take precaution. After all, it is better to be safe than to be sorry.

Categories
Outdoors

Throwing a Watch Party for the Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and Earth, blocking our view of the sun. In a solar eclipse, the moon’s shadow, caused by the sun, is cast onto Earth. It is not every day that a solar eclipse happens in our own backyard – especially a total solar eclipse (when the sun and the moon are lined up perfectly, causing a total blackout). In fact, the last total solar eclipse that was visible in the United States was on February 26, 1998. So, that is why on August 21, 2017, there are so many viewing events planned throughout the country.

If you are planning to join in on viewing this moment of history by throwing a watch party, you will need a few things to be prepared.

Choose the perfect watch party location

The good thing about a solar eclipse watch party is that it’s biggest requirement when it comes to picking a location is that it just needs to be outside! After all, you cannot see the sun and the moon (nor get the whole effect) if you try to watch from a window indoors. So, whether it is in a vacant lot in your neighborhood, a local park, or even your own backyard — you just need to make sure the location you choose has an unobstructed view of the sky.

Keep in mind that the direct path is the only place you will see a total eclipse. This ranges from Lincoln Beach, Oregon, and heads east to Charleston, South Carolina. This includes the states of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. All other areas of the United States will only be able to view a partial eclipse.

Take cover by renting a clearspan tent

It would be a sad day if you put a lot of planning, time, and effort into your solar eclipse party only to be exposed to super-heated conditions – or any other potentially disappointing weather. Therefore, you will want to consider renting a tent for your event. And not just any event tent since that would block your view, of course. Instead, you need to rent a clearspan tent.

Clearspan tents offer you all the protection and perks of having a tent, but it’s clear! In fact, it almost appears as if you are in a glass house. That means you and your guests can view this amazing moment in time without being subjected to brutal heat, heavy humidity, rain, the wind, or any other type of inclement weather! Clearspan tents can be customized to fit your allotted area. They can also come with perks such as flooring, sidewalls, and climate control.

Supplies you may need

For your watch party, you will want to make sure you have a few supplies on hand. You’ll need supplies for the viewing of the eclipse, as well as for the comfort of your guests.

  • Eye protection: You never, ever want to look directly at the sun. Instead, you will need some type of viewing device that has a solar filter. This can be in the form of solar (eclipse) glasses or on various handheld devices. Viewing the eclipse any other way can cause serious harm to your eyes.
  • Sunscreen: You are going to be outdoors for quite a while so you will want to make sure you and your guests are protected. Don’t count on them to bring their own.
  • Water: It is important to stay hydrated as you wait for the eclipse. Plan to have easy access to water for everyone in attendance.
  • White towels: Anything in the sun’s path is going to get incredibly hot as you sit outside. If covered with white towels, the sun’s heat is reflected, keeping all your equipment and other items cooler.

Educational entertainment

Many people have an idea of what a solar eclipse is, but they don’t necessarily understand the ins and outs of it. Since you are throwing a solar eclipse watch party, what better time to get a bit educational, right? Set up a projector with a screen, allowing you to show movies and other solar eclipse related media. NASA has some informative video and image clips about eclipses that can enlighten you and your guests. In addition, NASA intends to live stream the entire total solar eclipse. This is a time of social fun so of course, you don’t want your guests sitting in a school type setting, but having the projector going for those who want to watch can add some entertainment.

You may also want to consider some solar eclipse activities. The internet is filled with things such as creating a time capsule, building a sun dial, decorating your viewing glasses, making moon sand,etc. Do a little research and see what would be fun for the guests you have invited.

Décor and other goodies

Because the theme of your event is the actual solar eclipse, you should consider decorations that circle around it. For example:

  • Galaxy and astronomy decorations – and keeping your colors in the galaxy realm.
  • Make nebula jars and use them as part of the décor. Or have your guests make them as a treat to take home!
  • Serve snacks and drinks that play on the theme. Here are a few examples: moon pies, sun-dried fruits, Milky Way candy bars, Sunny D, Sunkist, Sun Chips, chocolate moon cake, blue galaxy cocktail, etc.

It doesn’t matter if you are in the direct path of the eclipse for the total effect or if you will just be able to see a partial eclipse. Bring people together in awe as they watch these two giant light sources that we depend on cross paths – even if it only lasts a brief time. So, don’t just let this moment of history pass. Instead, throw a watch party and celebrate it with friends and family. Grab a clearspan tent, some solar glasses, and a smile – and throw the best solar eclipse event around!

Categories
Tent Rentals

Food, Rides and Craft Tents: A Day at the Fair

Ah, the sounds of the fair – wild screams from the roller coasters, clowns talking from the dunk tank, the announcer at the pig races, and lots of laughter from little ones. And the smells – deliciousness fills the air of greasy, fried fair food like funnel cakes, donut burgers, and deep-fried Oreos. But what do you see when you look around? Bright lights, flashing signs, rides sky high in the air, and tents.

Yes, craft tents full of goodness all just waiting for you and your friends to enjoy!

Food Tents

Just about everyone goes to the fair for some sort of fair food. It is a staple of fair attendance. You must have a slice of greasy pizza, an elephant ear, a turkey leg, popcorn, cotton candy, caramel apples, deep-fried anything, and ice cream. What makes it even more enjoyable is eating these items immediately after riding the fastest spinning ride at the fairgrounds!

Many state and local fairs use tents to house some of the food. Of course, there are many food trucks, but there are also many other gourmet-type fair foods from local vendors. Rather than allowing a bunch of outside food trucks, most of these vendors are housed under a tent.

Food tents allow vendors to focus on making satisfied customers, rather than what the weather is doing. With a tent overhead, they know they are protected from many outside elements. Their products, funds, and any electrical equipment are not at risk.

Fair patrons enjoy taking cover in these tents, too. Because they can come in all sizes, many are big enough to house the vendors and a seating area for customers. Walking the fair can make your feet tired and the sun can get hot, but having a shaded table to sit and regroup is often appreciated.

Artisan and Craft Tents

Many locals wait for the fair to show off all their hard work throughout the year. These crafters and artisans make many handmade, unique products. The last thing they want to do is sit outside, wide open and exposed, for Mother Nature to attack, so they often use tents.

Tents are almost always used to house these craft artists and their products. In fact, because of the precious merchandise, many of these craft tents are enclosed and are climate controlled. This means that they have sidewalls to keep out any blowing rain or dust (and provide an additional level of shade) and they also have the ability to cool and heat tents as needed.

Much craft and artistry work requires particular care. Exposing it to the outdoor elements could cause damage. In addition, to see the full effect of what is being offered, many displays are set up and use various lighting techniques. This is all kept safe under the protection of craft tents.

Animal and Rodeo Tents

While some folks go to the fair for rides and food, others prefer the animals. Most fairs have rodeos and other shows involving animals. For example:

  • 4H Club shows, including the showing of livestock animals raised by those within the community.
  • Bull riding.
  • Pig races, weenie dog races, rat races.

In addition to the animals, there are many events that take place involving all aspects of farming and agriculture. Tents are almost always involved in these. Fair patrons want to be protected and livestock owners want their prized animal kept safe and out of harm’s way. While they likely will lack climate control, the overhead covering provided by these tents can give a sturdy sense of shade and protection.

Petting Zoo and Animal Housing

When kids see animals at the shows, they are going to want to pet them. So, since the animals will need to have a place to be housed, they may as well have a petting zoo too, right? Tents come in all sizes which means that, depending on the livestock portion of your fair, you will be able to find the size you need.

The animal tents get a lot of traffic at the fair so they need to be strong and sturdy and able to handle the ruggedness that livestock brings.

Concerts and Entertainment 

A huge part of fairs revolves around the entertainment. In fact, many local people often find that they get their name out there by performing at the fair. For example, singers, dancers, marching bands, local rock bands, magicians, jugglers, and comedians are just a few of the most common.

Generally, a fair schedule will include a list of all of the entertainment for each day. That can include a lot of entertainers! To designate a spot, tents are usually set up with a stage and – if you are lucky – a seating area. Then, as the gates open for the day, the entertainment starts. This continues all day, which means those tents see a lot of traffic!

Concerts of well-known musicians are also quite common. These concerts can draw huge crowds and therefore require a huge space. Many nighttime fair concerts can get rowdy – again reinforcing the need for a sturdy structure.

The tents that are used for entertainment are large and solid. Many times, they have sidewalls for protection from the elements, especially since there is a high usage of electricity that gets used for each show. It is also recommended to rent a tent that has no poles throughout the open space. Poles will be used to keep the tent sturdy and intact, despite the amount of traffic. By removing them from the center of the tent, it increases safety for fair patrons as well as makes sure there is not a blocked view in the house.

Why You Need a Tent

Fairs are a fun time for those who attend and those who get to entertain and sell their livestock, food, and crafts. From craft tents, to food tents, to concert tents, the fair houses all of these tents. Having a tent for protection for all involved means that attention will no longer have to be on protecting assets, but rather on making people smile. Because, in the end, that is what a long day at the fair is for, right?

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Tent Rentals

Giant Tent Rentals Can Help the Homeless

Unfortunately, homelessness is found everywhere. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, there are well over a half million people without a home on any given night in the United States. This population includes men, women, and children.

While the reason for the homelessness varies for each person and their situation – mental illness, domestic violence, financial difficulties, drug addiction, lack of available resources, etc. – the steps to take to alleviate the problem remains the same.

With the help of a giant tent rental, you can take a step in the right direction to help the homeless in your community.

Donation Storage

Just like everyone, homeless individuals have many needs. These are needs that, due to their circumstances, a homeless person may not be able to meet for themselves. Thankfully, there are many generous people who donate goods that can go toward assisting the homeless.

Donations can pile up, and there needs to be a place to store and protect the donations as they come in. This is where a giant tent can help!

Tents can come in many different customizable sizes and shapes. So, if you have donations for an urban city or for the homeless in a small community, you will be able to have just the right amount of space you need. In addition, while most food donations will be nonperishable, you still will not want the food or any other sensitive items to have exposure to extreme and threatening weather conditions that could potentially waste the items.

Temporary offices for services

Almost any homeless person you encounter didn’t fall into his or her situation for no reason. There are services to help give the homeless a lifeline to get off the street. However, sometimes it is hard to reach them. By setting up service locations in the heart of the homeless community, you will reach the people who need the services the most.

These temporary offices can include giant tent rentals. They come with flooring, sides, and can securely close, they are a perfect option for temporary offices offering links to services for things such as mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, teen outreach centers, etc.

Soup kitchens

Soup kitchens pop up in areas with a homeless population. These pop-up soup kitchens generally offer a hot meal and, occasionally, necessities such as shoes, clothing, and toiletry items. It takes a lot of work from volunteers to put together this meal for so many people. Because these meals are usually served outdoors, it puts the food and donations at risk of being destroyed by inclement weather. That is a lot of food to be wasted, time to be wasted, and people which remain hungry!

A giant tent rental can make the difference between a satisfying meal and a missing one. Being proactive and protecting the entire area with a tent can have more benefits than just saving the food.

  • A tents climate control ability means that it provides a shelter for individuals to take a break from either the heat or the cold.
  • Tents are large enough to allow for tables and seating which makes a meal so much more enjoyable.
  • By connecting to electricity, tents can house the cooking equipment, too. This takes away the chore of preparing and cooking the meal at a different location and then transporting it.

Temporary Housing

During times of extreme weather, most cities open additional shelters for those who may not otherwise have any. For instance, when the temperatures drop below a certain temperature, tents can act as a temporary shelter. These tents offer climate control – to keep everyone safe and warm.

In addition, certain natural disasters or other emergency situations can leave many people without a home. Tents temporarily house these individuals until they can return home or find another, more permanent, place to go. These large tent structures can allow for exceptions that other shelters or temporary housing may not, such as diverse types of pets.

A little attention can make a difference

Everyone will struggle at some point in life. When that time comes, it can make all the difference if someone reaches out a hand to offer some time, attention, and assistance. Here are some ways to begin making a difference in the lives of those on the streets where you live:

  • Partner with local nonprofits or churches in their outreach programs.
  • Start with your own donation collection efforts. Determine what they need the most and begin working to collect donations. For example, items such as coats and blankets, socks and shoes, raincoats, etc.
  • Prepare gallon-size baggies full of needed items and keep them in your car. These can contain things such toiletries (deodorant, razors, soap, etc.), non-perishable healthy snack-type food items (granola bars, peanut butter and crackers, dried fruits and nuts, etc.), a bottle of water, a pair of socks, and any other item you think can make a difference.
  • Deliver hot meals to the homeless in your neighborhood.
  • If you have a special skill, volunteer your time to either care for the indigentby providing a service (such as a barber, chef, doctor, dentist, etc.) or offer to teach a beneficial skill set to this population that may help them in their search for employment.
  • If you are in a position to help someone with a job, a meal, or a temporary place to live, then do so. You could be that second chance he or she has been hoping for.
  • Being a voice for those who are on the streets is desperately needed in so many cities. If you like speaking and advocating for others, this may be the perfect job for you. Be the voice for this often-overlooked population.

These are just a few of the many ways you can reach out. If you are looking to make a difference in your community, do your research to discover the need. Then, grab a giant tent rental and head out to change a life!

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