It's your birthday, Party!
Entertainment for hire
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Plenty of entertainment is available for a party at your home or other location. In this guide to entertainment for hire, we made two subcategories: Ponies for Rent and Entertainment Equipment for Rent. So many performers have so many talents, it was difficult to come up with other clear-cut categories. So read through and imagine the possibilities.
AAA BIRTHDAY CLOWN featuring Silly Willy, the "almost famous" birthday clown. Contact Ron Burgess at 231-2982; e-mail ron-burgess@cox.net. Silly Willy's birthday show is for kids of all ages. Dressed in a classic clown outfit, he clowns with guests as they arrive and then does a 1-hour show that includes comedy, magic and puppetry. Each guest receives a balloon, stickers and clown nose. Silly Willy has written six books for kids on clowning, magic and yoyos.
ABRAKADOODLE, 392-4ART. E-mail LSilva@abrakadoodle.com or visit www.abrakadoodle.com. Ages 2-12 explore, create and learn through age-appropriate art activity promoting imaginative thinking. Dozens of project selections. Each party includes goody bags for guests and a gift for the birthday child, invitations and 45-minute art project led by experienced teacher. Prices start at $150.
AIRNIMATIONS -- BALLOON ART SHOW, 467-8749. Balloon artist Bruce Kalver entertains guests by twisting complex balloon sculptures of cartoon characters. Price begins at $125 and varies according to number of guests and distance traveled. Visit www.tophatprod.com/bruce or e-mail bruce@tophatprod.com.
ALL OCCASION MAGIC SHOWS by Tommy James, professional magician, 6 Vaughn St., Greenville. 949-1405. Children's magic shows feature live bunny as well as balloon animals. In this one hour of comedy magic, birthday child becomes the star. Rates begin at $175.
AMAZINGLY MAGICAL BIRTHDAYS, (508) 965-3489, www.MattRobertsMagic.com. Matt Roberts, professional magician and star of the upcoming national children's TV series Ribert & Robert's Wonderworld, presents comedy, magic and audience participation shows. Roberts is currently on a national tour and will resume local shows in June 2006. Prices start at $185. Shows customized according to age group.
ANIMAL EXPERIENCES, Dave Marchetti, Riverside. 433-4722. Hands-on animal programs, designed to be fun and educational, can be tailored to any age group beginning with nursery school. Children are invited to touch and handle many of the small animals, slippery amphibians and some common (and not-so-common) reptiles. Programs generally last one hour so all children can handle their favorites. Rates determined by distance traveled with a base price of $150.
ANIMAL JUNCTION, Peace Dale. 788-0188. 207-1205. Patti Spencer will bring a variety of creatures which can include reptiles, birds, chinchillas and ferrets to your home for a 90-minute hands-on presentation. $175.
BE A RECORDING SUPERSTAR PARTY, 935-9596. Musical producer Evan Gorodetsky will come to your location and entertain your guests while involving the crowd in creating and recording an original birthday song with real musical instruments, microphones, live sound system and a digital multi-track recorder. One finished mastered compact disc with the original song is included. $199 for a two-hour show.
BEAUTY EXPRESS MAKEUP ARTISTRY AND SPECIALTY PARTIES, 486-1327. E-mail Changefaces [at] aol.com or visit www.Beautyexpress-Makeupartistry.com. Specializing in children's theme parties such as pretty princess, face painting, teen glamour. $50 per hour for most parties; some themes include goody bags.
BIRTHDAY BEE COMPANY INC., Greenville. Phone 949-4370 or e-mail gschiano [at] sprynet.com. Provides many professional entertainers for parties for children of all ages and adults.
THE BODY SHOP AT HOME. Call Kelly Clarke at 255-4320 or 226-1476. Birthday girl chooses from four party themes: Peppermint Foot Fun, Spa Experience, Your Faces Are Forever and Makeup Fun Time. $140 for 1 hour of services for up to 10 children, each additional child $8.
BRUCE KALVER MAGIC SHOWS. 461-2858. Visit www.tophatprod.com/bruce or e-mail revlakmagic [at] cox.net. One-hour magic show features plenty of audience participation and ends with balloon art. For ages 7 and up. Prices start at $125 depending on distance traveled, age and number of people.
BUBBLES & FRENCH FRY, Cranston. 941-9582. Two-clown interactive show featuring balloon sculptures, games, magic and face painting, with prizes for all children and gifts for birthday child. Prices start at $115 for 12 children for 1 hour; varies according to distance traveled, number of children and length of show. Holidays slightly higher. Can accommodate larger venues.
BUNGLES THE CLOWN. 640-6453. Forty-minute comedy children's show including magic, balloon sculptures, juggling, storytelling and face painting. Each child receives a "Bungles" coloring book. Party favors available. Fees start at $125.
BURT THE RACCOON PUPPET SHOW. 789-1749. www.BurtTheRaccoon.com; BurtTheRacoon [at] AOL.com. 40-minute puppet shown and nature story. $165.
THE CARNIVAL PARTY, 641-8533, the_carnival_party [at] yahoo.com. Parties for ages 4-10 include choice of 6-8 carnival games, prizes, invitations, decorations, spin art machine, face painting, carnival music, bubble machine. Any size party possible. Rates start at $200.
CHILDREN'S MAGICIAN AND VENTRILOQUIST STEVEN ZENOFSKY, Attleboro. (508) 761-0716. Offers a 45- to 60-minute interactive show featuring comedy, magic, ventriloquism with Darryl the Dinosaur and a live bunny. Balloon sculptures for all. Birthday child stars in the show with some guests performing, too. Average price $165. Offers show customization, plus a photography and videotaping service. See www.kidsmagicshows.com.
CIRCUS ARTS PARTY by Marvelous Marvin, Cranston. 578-9399. Children learn to juggle scarves, balls and clubs, spin plates, walk on stilts, twirl rings and tame the devil stick in this 45- to 60-minute workshop. Basic price is $175.
COLOR CARICATURES, North Smithfield. 356-0149. Full-color caricatures drawn with markers. Each drawing original (bodies not pre-drawn). $75 per hour plus materials. Two-hour minimum, 10 drawings per hour.
COOKIE THE MAGIC CLOWN. 467-8749. Visit www.tophatprod.com/cookie or e-mail cookie [at] tophatprod.com. Magic show includes colorful magic illusions (there's a special trick for birthday child) and involves the whole audience. Cookie ends her 45-minute show by making balloon animals for all. Prices start at $125 depending on distance traveled and number of people.
CREATIVE YOGA & MOVEMENT BIRTHDAY PARTIES, Karen Sacchetti. 368-4995. E-mail creativeyoga [at] msn.com. Parties at your venue for ages 5 and up. Themes include (but are not limited to): animal adventure, birds of a feather, flower fantasy, Hawaiian luau, outer space explorers, and under the sea. One-hour program is $125, includes music, props and yoga mats.
DANCE BIRTHDAY PARTY. Travel around the world without leaving your home. At parties for kids 4 and up, Anastasia Christie takes guests around the world through the rhythms of Russian Quadrille, Polish polka, German waltz, Cuban cha-cha, South American meregue, American swing and more. $100 for a 1-hour dance journey. Available for adult parties as well. 351-2927; e-mail info [at] socialdanceschool.com; Web site www.socialdanceschool.com.
A FACE PAINTING PRO, 20 Alsada Rd., Swansea. (508) 642-1737. E-mail Erin2683 [at] msn.com or visit www.FacepaintingPro.com. Erin, the face painting pro, puts colorful paint and big smiles on children's faces with fun designs. Erin is currently on a national tour and will resume local shows in June 2006. FDA-approved paint. No minimum or maximum number of guests. $75 first hour, $50 each additional.
4 ALARM FIRE TRUCK RENTAL. A real, full-size fire truck arrives at your party with lights and siren on. Children wear plastic fire hats as they begin an interactive tour of the truck and its equipment. Following the tour, a firefighter dons all his protective fire gear, including an air pack with a mask, for children to see and touch up-close. Concludes with children helping the firefighter pull a hose off the truck and squirt water. Includes favors. Program takes about 1 hour depending on the age and number of children (maximum 15). $195 including favors for 8 children ($5 each additional favor). Serving central and southern Rhode Island area. See www.4alarmfiretruckrental.com or call 265-7414.
FACE PAINTING "TATTOOS" AND/OR BALLOON TWISTING for all occassions, will dress as Raggedy Ann, French Painter or whatever fits your theme. No party too big or small. Call Donna Lepore at 725-3036.
GABBY THE CLOWN, Judy Rubenstein, Coventry. 823-7272. Children's birthday parties include a half-hour comedy and magic show and a half-hour of face painting or balloon sculpting. The birthday child is Gabby's helper; there is group participation as well. Also available is Mr. Bumbles the Clown. Prices start at $95 per hour depending on distance traveled and number of children.
ILLUSIONS TEMPORARY AIRBRUSH TATTOOS, Joe Corso, 942-5154; e-mail adspec [at] cox.net. Artist applies colorful tattoos that last from 7 to 10 days (or they can be removed immediately) with an airbrush gun using non-toxic, FDA-approved paints. Designs may be chosen from extensive line of stencils. No minimum or maximum number of guests. Fee is $175 for two hours.
JAY BRUNELLE, ENTERTAINER. 732-4176. Variety entertainment family shows. Balloon art, guitar songs, magic, juggling, unicycle and more for stage shows, schools, day care, birthdays, etc. Also stiltwalking and DJ for bigger events. Prices vary depending on size of show and day of week.
KIDS KARAOKE/DANCE PARTY, Vini Ames Entertainments, Providence. Ninety minutes of fun at your party location. Songs range from nursery rhymes to current hits. All singers get tape recording of their performance song as a party favor. Age-appropriate dance music and contests with prizes are included in the $125 fee. Available for adult parties. Call (877) 239-3066 or e-mail ViniAmes [at] gmail.com.
KidScience, 783-1715. www.kidscience-ri.com; info [at] kidscience-ri.com. KidScience offers an hour of hands-on science experiments with topics including chemistry, electricity, physics and more. Parties are offered for 4-12 year olds, and kids get to make and take home at least two experiments. Cost is $110 for up to 10 children, $7 for each additional child. Travel costs may apply.
MARC KOHLER, provider of a wide variety of entertainment, has this year partnered with Fran Slade (Mrs. Claus of Winter Wonderland, Pawtucket) to expand party programs. Kohler can appear as Santa alone, or as Santa with Mrs. Claus. For birthday parties, Kohler will do the whole party from welcoming activities to a closing craft for children to take home. . At the Marcus the Pirate Party, children have face painted and get a pirate hat, sword and costume. After a treasure hunt, children create treasure troves out of bangles and beads embedded in plaster of paris. In The Puppet Party, Kohler performs a show and helps kids make puppets, and then children put on their own shows. The Hollywood Party starts with costume making, face painting and character creation and ends with videotaped performances. As Farmer Brown and Mother Goose, Kohler and Slade show what it was like to live on an old farm; crafts are based on gardens. As artist Jack D'Amor, Kohler leads kids in arts projects such as sand casting, murals, plaster casting, block printing and mosaics. Other themes include Old-Time Games Party, United States Map Party, Magician's Party, King Arthur Party and Baking and Frosting Party. Call 785-3250 or e-mail marcwkohler [at] aol.com.
KOOL KAT FACE PAINTING. 732-2653. Artist Kathy Morris provides professional, hand-painted face designs and body tattoos (cartoon characters, animals, flowers, etc.) that last 2-3 days. $75 for 15 children, $4 each additional child.
LET'S DRESS UP AND PAR-TEA, Kathy Henriques, (508) 789-5409. Two-hour party at your location with a choice of theme. Princess, Ballerina, Under the Sea or Dolly & Me tea party are the choices for ages 3-6; Glitz and Glamour or Scrapbooking for ages 7-11. Parties include invitations, dresses, jewelry, boas and tiaras; cake plates, napkins, tablecloth, forks, tea cups and pink "tea," a photo of each child, a photo holder to decorate and games with prizes. Base price is $195 for up to 10 children; $10 for additional children with a maximum of 16.
MAGIC & BALLOONS BY RALPH, 822-7721. One-hour birthday parties, any age, prices vary according to size of group and distance traveled. Every child gets a balloon figure.
THE MAGIC OF RUSS DeSIMONE. 640-6453. An hour-long interactive magic show including comedy, volunteers, special surprises and balloon sculptures for everyone. Birthday child helps make a live rabbit appear. Corporate and adult-oriented shows also available. Fees start at $125.
THE MAGIC OF THOMAS BLACKE -- MYSTERIARCH, Johnston. 934-0344. An interactive magic show consisting of live animals, audience participation and balloon sculptures for all children. Birthday child becomes the star, doing a special trick during the approximately 45-minute show. Also available are strolling magic shows for both children and adults, and a comedy magic and escape show for adults, and a magic workshop for children designed to teach them the basics of magic. Fee varies depending on location. Visit www.blackemagic.com.
MAGICIAN AND MUSICIAN DAVE DOWNS, Attleboro, Mass. (508) 226-1745. It's More Than Magic: Interactive comedy magic show has a variety of magic and musical antics featuring "Ups -- The World's Only Rabbit Guitar." Fee is $125 for a 45-minute show.
MAGICIAN BILL CAVANAUGH, Johnston. 273-8448. A 30- to 45-minute magic show with time depending on the audience (ideal age 6-12 years old). The show involves comedy, audience participation and a special effect involving the guest of honor. Afterward, balloon animals for all. Prices vary depending on date, travel.
MAGICIAN & BALLOON ARTIST LON CEREL, Johnston. 946-3183. For children's parties, 45 minutes of comedy magic, audience participation, and always a live bunny rabbit. All children receive balloon sculptures of their choice, with 300 to choose from. Birthday person becomes the magician and star of the show. Prices start at $125.
MAKEUP AND SPA PARTIES. Olga S. Hawwa, North Providence. 353-4656. Birthday parties conducted by certified image consultant for girls 12 and older at your location. $15 per person.
MARK SEAGRAVE CARICATURES, (978) 562-1158. E-mail MarkDSea [at] aol.com or visit www.caricaturenow.com. Professional caricaturist does approximately 10 single color caricatures per hour, 15 if done in black and white. $125 per hour; 3-hour minimum.
MRS. D & COMPANY, Nicole D. Ragosta, Greenville. 949-4978. Mrs. D offers a wide variety of children's and family entertainment, including storytelling with "Benson" the wisecracking sheep dog. Over 40 different games available, all set to music. Children can become puppeteers, or have a chance to sing and tell jokes with Benson. Mrs. D can spin the latest songs for a Dance Party with all types of music for all age groups. Parties and performances customized for appropriate age group. Crafts available. Can accommodate 5 to 200 children. The 1-hour performances start at $100.
MUSICAL CELEBRATIONS WITH KAVI by Christopher "Kavi" Carbone. 846-9014. Interactive performances and events for the whole family with themes tailored to child's interest. Two types of parties: "Story & Song Celebration" with a combination of storytelling and musical activities, or "Music Celebration" with focus on music and movement. From infants to age 8. Prices $125 to $175 depending on location and length of performance (usually 45 minutes). E-mail bpresents [at] earthlink.net or visit www.arts-in-celebration.com.
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT by Lindsay Adler, Providence. 274-9557. Adler, a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, elementary school teacher and nationally syndicated illustrator, will bring lively, interactive songs and activities to any birthday party. Face painting is also available; designs vary depending on size of party. Parties can have music, face painting or both. Fees start at about $100 per 30- to 45-minute set and are negotiable; number of children is dependent on activity.
MYSTIC AQUARIUM TRAVELING BIRTHDAY PARTIES, Mystic, Conn. (860) 572-5955, ext. 520. The aquarium helps you celebrate in your home with a one-hour private learning experience with an aquarium instructor leading a program chosen according to birthday child's interest and age: ocean locomotion for ages 4-6, explore the shore for ages 7-9, and amazing sharks for ages 10-13, plus a Touch and Learn session with various sea creatures. $195 ($180 members). Maximum number of children is 30. Location must be within a 75-mile radius of aquarium. Available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday in July and August; weekends only September to June.
NATURAL NAIL PARTIES FOR LITTLE GIRLS, by Gail Radloff of Nails by Gail. Parties at your home include glitter and hair braiding with beads or barrettes, makeup, games, body art, mini manicures and pedicures, toe rings, favors and crafts and party goods supplied for pinatas. Minimum of 5 girls, maximum 50; prices start at $10 per person plus cost of supplies and service. Call 464-8293.
NOA'S ART PARTY PORTRAITS. 481-5737. Noa Teplow Juarez, artist and instructor, draws black-and-white caricatures of guests at parties. It takes about 5-10 minutes per person, and kids can choose from more than 40 backgrounds. Price is $160 for up to 10 people, $10 per additional person. Visit www.noasart.net.
NOAH'S ANIMAL WORKSHOP, 6 Paul Ct., Warren. 247-1719. This traveling stuffed animal workshop comes to your party location. For one hour, staff plays games with guests and conducts the workshop, in which kids stuff and fluff and dress their own animal (25 to choose from, with lots of accessories). Prices start at $13 per child.
NOVELTY ENTERTAINMENT, Warwick. 732-2706. Offers a wide variety of costumed characters, storytelling, face painting and spin art for all ages. A half-hour show usually consists of 25 minutes of song and dance and 5 minutes for pictures. Fee is $100 for weekdays and $120 for weekends, with an extra charge for travel outside of Cranston and Warwick. Longer and shorter appearances may be arranged. Characters range from Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny to Explorer Dora and other children's favorites from movies and TV.
THE PARROT LADY, Cranston. 943-BIRD. www.theparrotlady.com. The Parrot Lady brings four parrots that talk and do tricks for guests ages 3 and up. For example, one parrot pushes a shopping cart and sinks a basketball in a hoop, while another parrot talks and names fruits and veggies. Children get to hold and pet one parrot. Birthday child receives three presents and guests receive two. Shows are 1 hour or 30 minutes. Prices determined by location of party.
PARTY LINE, West Warwick. 827-5086. Magicians, clowns, costumed characters, superheroes, princesses and Hawaiian dancers are available to attend your child's party. Character fees start at $145 locally for a half-hour appearance which includes mini bouquet of balloons or character balloon, special gift, novelty dances, games and prizes for all. Party Line is a division of the Judi T. Dance Studio; visit www.juditdance.com.
PARTY PARADE BY THE FANCY DANCER, 333-2623. Company provides live characters to entertain at parties. One-hour visits; prices depend on charachter.
POW! SCIENCE!, Middletown. 619-0971. At-home science activities. See description in the accompanying "Party Places" story.
PRINCESS FOR A DAY, 437-0029, e-mail princessforadayri [at] cox.net. Two-hour Ultimate Princess Tea Party includes full set up and clean up in your home or location, custom invitations, elegant gowns and accessories, full tea menu with china, custom birthday cake, games, crafts, favors and more. Ages 4-9 years old, 8 child minimum, 12 child maximum.
PRINCESS PARTY, by Kangaroo Kids, West Kingston. 667-7237, skadaigle@netscape.com. A costumed princess interacts with guests through storytelling and activities. Prices are 1/2-hour, $125; 1 hour, $185; 1 1/2 hours, $225. Included are balloon bouquet, story and game, plus tiaras or gift bags for up to 8 children; additional children $3 to $5 each.
PUPPETS BY ERIN, Warwick. 461-7841. Puppet shows for ages 2-6. Maximum number of children is 50; prices vary according to show and audience.
RADIO DISNEY'S PARTY PATROL performs live at children's parties with non-stop music, games and prizes. Prices vary according to the number of guests and number of talent hired. Includes a "Birthday Shout Out" on Radio Disney on the birthday child's birthday. Call Alisa Capaldi, operations manager, or Jaccalen Grillo, promotions manager, at (401) 722-0839; see www.RadioDisney.com.
REGAL REPTILES, 277-9000, www.regalreptiles.com. This Providence animal center brings to your party a 1-hour hands-on presentation featuring more than 20 species of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, bugs and even alligators. Price begins at $150 plus travel.
REVLAK SCHOOL OF MAGIC AND WIZARDRY. 461-2858. Wizard magic lessons given to party guests; kids perform magic presented by a wizard instructor. Each graduate receives a wand and diploma. For ages 7 and up. Prices begin at $175 depending on size of group and distance traveled. Visit www.tophatprod.com/bruce or e-mail revlakmagic [at] cox.net.
RUFFLES THE CLOWN'S LAUGH-AEROBICS SHOW. Russ DeSimone, 640-6453. A 40-minute comedy-circus show including magic, balloon sculptures, puppets and surprises for the birthday child. Designed to make the audience feel as if they've joined the circus for the day. Fees start at $125.
SCIENCE FUN PARTIES, Marvelous Marvin, Cranston. 578-9399. 1. The Magic of Science. This 40-minute show helps kids understand the scientific process, from the art of experimenting to the creation of an invention. With simple experiments kids can try at home, they learn about air pressure, carbon dioxide and the wheel. 2. The Science/Dance Experience. Starts with a magic show. Then, after kids play with toys and write down the action words they experience, Marvelous Marvin leads them through a movement experience using those words in an example of kinesthetic teaching. 40-minute workshop. Basic price for either show is $200.
SCRAPBOOKING PARTY. Birthday guests make their own photo album, learning how to decorate their book, crop their pictures and preserve their memories in a 1 1/2-hour workshop. Best for 5 to 8 children ages 8 and up. Cost is $3 per child, plus purchase of albums and other materials. Call Brenda Squizzero at (508) 676-6169 or e-mail squizz16 [at] comcast.net.
SPARKY'S PUPPETS, Sparky Davis, Cranston, 467-0159, www.sparkyspuppets.com. Colorful hand puppets dramatize favorite children's stories with lively humor and plenty of audience interaction. For ages 3-10. Each performance includes three stories. Prices start at $135.
STORY PERFORMER Clare Vadeboncoeur offers a variety of interactive storytelling performances for children, families and adults. Programs include The Snow Queen, a magical journey into the wonders of winter through stories and songs; Mother Nature, a playful exploration into the natural world through stories, songs, poems and puppets; Once Upon a Medieval Time: A Medley of Myth, Merry & Mischief, an interactive performance packed full of original and traditional stories, songs, poems and dance that explore the middle ages; Out of My Mime!, a one-woman concert that is funny, clever and full of heart. Call 943-2159 or e-mail goodheartpro [at] aol.com; see www.goodheartpro.com. Good Heart Productions, Johnston. .
TEA PARTIES BY UNDER THE BUMBERSHOOT, Lincoln. 725-5685 or 729-0427. Web site www.underthebumbershoot.com. Tea party birthday package includes tea set-up, paper products, cake, dress-up accessories, entertainment, invitations. Theme packages available; price depends on theme. Minimum 10 children.
TONY THE DANCING COP. "Tony the Dancing Cop," made famous by his acrobatic traffic directing on the streets of Providence, visits birthday children. The child will get a birthday song, a Dancing Cop doll and an 8-by-10 action photo. Performance includes audience participation, complete with steering wheels, sound effects and music. Autographs, whistles, "deputy" pins included. Call 727-2509 or go to www.providencedancingcop.com (click on the Services page).
TUMBLEBUS "Gym on Wheels." Call 742-3561. A full-size school bus turned into a kid-size gym will come to birthday parties or any special event for ages 2 and up. With all the seats out and carpet and padding installed on the floors and walls, the children get to jump, swing, bounce and ride on the Zipline. Each party includes up to 15 guests for 1 hour of games and activities, a Tumblebus T-shirt for the host, invitations and a party photo. Price is dependent on party location.
TUNES 'N' TALES, Anne-Marie Forer, Warwick. 739-4171. Professional storyteller-musician performs as Mother Goose entertaining ages 1-6 with songs, stories, movement activities and rhythm play. Performance lasts 45 minutes and includes personalized T-shirt for birthday child and favors for guests. $135 for maximum 20 children. Other characters available: The Pumpkin Princess, Engineer Annie, Mrs. Claus/Mrs. Frost, and the Queen of Hearts. E-mail tunesntales [at] hotmail.com; Web site www.tunes-n-tales.com.
TWISTY THE MAGIC CLOWN, Warwick. 732-8138. Balloon and magic comedy show for ages 1-8.
WHODUNNIT MURDER MYSTERY THEATER PARTY. Professional actors come to your party location and perform an interactive murder mystery which guests solve from clues seen and heard in the show (can be customized to include personal information). Another option is to have guests included in the play. Depending on type of show and number of guests, 1-hour shows are $400 to $900. Minimum 12 guests age 10 and up, maximum 100. Call Karen Tulli, executive producer, at (401) 447-7126; Web site is www.aswaterman.com/whodunnit.
WILLOW'S WHISPERS, Magic of Stars adventure parties for ages 3 to 9. Personalized stories, retold fairy and hero tales, nature and animal stories and cultural myths to encourage nonviolence and allow children to discover that they are all super heroes(ines) and stars. Children will learn how to use their natural super hero powers and that true beauty comes from within. Each story involves poetry, dance, music and handcrafted visual aids. Fee is $200 for 1 1/2 hours and includes a handbound, illustrated booklet for the birthday child. Guests receive a T-shirt as a party favor. Maximum group size of 12 for young ones and 20 for older. Call Lindsay Gassman-Peterson at 270-3643 or e-mail madisun75 [at] yahoo.com.
WORLD BEAT DANCE PARTY WITH KATERINA. 846-9014. Fun, creative movement activities where guests ages 5 to 10 dance and party to world-beat music. Sparkles and glitter for all. Themes available include Middle-Eastern and Afro-Caribbean. Prices are $125 to $195 depending on location and length of program (usually 45 minutes). Available for adult parties. E-mail bpresent [at] earthlink.net or visit www.arts-in-celebration.com.
YORICK'S MARIONETTE THEATER, 294-8557. Offers interactive or story-based shows (30 to 45 minutes) using carved marionettes in the Czech tradition as well as puppet-making workshops (60 minutes). Prices vary; can accommodate very small to large audiences. E-mail puppetry [at] earthlink.net.
PONY RENTALS
PINE LEDGE STABLE, Greenville. 949-5822. Pony rides at your party for $95
per hour; additional $2 per mile for more than 10 miles of travel.
PONIES TO GO, 97 Locust Ave., Portsmouth. Pony rides available for birthday parties and other occasions. Prices depend on location, number of guests, number of ponies requested and time spent at party. Pony rides available at farm, by appointment. Call 683-9437 or visit www.poniestogo.com.
PONY BIRTHDAY PARTIES by Ginny Ross, 22 Paine Rd., Foster. 647-7230 (call evenings after dark). Will bring to your party 1 or 2 ponies, pony with cart (holds 2-4) or pony with sleigh (if sufficient snow and large yard). All options come with baby bunnies to hug while waiting for a pony ride. Prices range from $60 to $150 per 1 1/2 hours depending on options and distance. Hug-A-Bunny: We will bring baby bunnies to your party to be hugged and petted. $45 to $125 depending on quantity and distance. Rides: Also offer on-site cart rides, winter sleigh rides and trail rides on the farm for 2-8 people for special occasions, but no party facilities available at the farm. E-mail ginnypony [at] Juno.com or visit Painefarm.homestead.com.
THE PONY-GO-ROUND (We Bring The Pony To You!). West Greenwich. 258-3228. E-mail theponygoround [at] cox.net. Children's pony rides at your party location. Starting at $100 for first hour, $45 for additional half hour, for up to 20 children (85-pounds per child limit). Face painting and tattoos available for additional $20 per hour. Pony souvenirs and horse memorabilia and gifts available.
TOWER HILL EQUESTRIAN CENTER, 2415 Tower Hill Rd., North Kingstown. 294-8190. Pony rides in your backyard (also at the center's stables). Cost is $100 for one pony for one hour. Each additional pony is $85; $50 per pony per hour over initial hour.
TWIN WILLOWS STABLE, 233 Morgan Ave., Johnston. 943-2125. Pony parties at your location are $100 per hour locally, additional fee for out-of-area.
ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT RENTALS
ABSOLUTE FUN PARTY RENTALS, 1710 Phenix Ave., Cranston. Wide variety of entertainment
for parties, from live entertainers such as magicians, caricaturists and face
painters to equipment rentals such as waterslides, dry slides, moonbouncers,
obstacles, dunk tanks, popcorn, cotton candy machine and snow cone machines.
Music available includes a "one-man" band, dance bands, DJ and DK/Karaoke. Costume
character entertainment specializing in acrobatic spiderman show. Tables, tents
and chairs available, too. Call 823-6219 or visit www.absolutefunpartyrentals.com.
CARNIVAL GAMES: A wide variety of carnival games available for rent from L&E Party Perfect Rentals, 515 Wilbur Ave., Swansea. (508) 677-9206. Examples: Moonwalks, dunk tanks, a trackless train, giant 40-inch basketball and soccer games, mini golf and new 7-foot-by-7-foot frame games. Also available: Popcorn, snow-cone and cotton candy machines or hot dog steamers. Helium and mylar baloons are available as is a helium tank. Website is www.lepartyrentals.com.
FRANK'S RENTALS, 2071 Plainfield Pike, Johnston. 942-6666. Kids' Fun Bounce Castle, $200; water slides, $250; cotton candy machine and supplies, $50; popcorn machine, $40; drink machine, $75 plus supplies; DJ services $300 for 4 hours; tents, tables and chairs available. Packages can be arranged.
JUMP'N' FUN, Wakefield. Inflatable jumper company has various moon bounces for rent throughout Rhode Island. Set up and delivery included. Call 742-3561. Web site is www.jumpn-fun.com.
KANGAROO KIDS, West Kingston. 667-7237, skadaigle [at] netscape.com. A "one-stop-shopping" party service that offers rentals of Moonwalk/Bouncy's, tents, tables, chairs, generators, games and more; also offers face-painting.
PLAY EQUIPMENT: Quality Rental in Pawtucket, 725-0928 or (800) 842-7368, and North Providence, 723-5555, offers a wide range of party equipment for rent including inflatable bounce rides and dunk tanks, carnival games and concession machines, effect lighting, karaoke machines, children's tables and chairs, helium tanks and ballons. Also available are props for theme parties such as movie star, Parisian, Tuscany, medieval, carnival, nautical/Hawaiian, sports and Western. Also have for sale plastic dinnerware and flatware, matching paper napkins and tablecloths, pinatas, serving trays, chafing ware and sterno and candles and novelty items.
ROCK ISLAND,Narragansett. 486-6532. www.climbrockisland.com. Rental of a rock-climbing wall plus many inflatables including a pirate ship, a tidal wave slide, Duncan the Dragon, Tummy the Tiger and more.
