Deciding between street fair vs activity-focused festival on a budget; asking about

[Aurora_J]

I'm on the planning committee for our neighborhood association's annual fall festival, and we're trying to decide between a traditional street fair with vendor booths or a more activity-focused event with a petting zoo and pumpkin carving contest. Our budget is tight, and we need to attract a broad mix of families and older residents. For others who have organized similar local events, what were your most successful revenue streams beyond sponsorship, like ticket sales for activities or a silent auction? How did you effectively recruit and manage volunteers for setup and cleanup, and what permits or insurance considerations caught you by surprise? We're also debating whether to charge a small entry fee.

[PaulLC]

Hybrid approach tends to hit the broadest audience, especially on a tight budget. Keep a compact activity zone alongside a traditional street-feel vendor area. For revenue beyond sponsorship, try a mix: a couple of pay-to-play activities (think: small craft or game booths), vendor booth fees, a silent auction with donated items, a bake sale or community fundraiser booth, and a small raffle or photo booth. Structure volunteer teams into 3–4 committees (setup/teardown, activities/kids zone, vendor liaison, safety) and use a simple signup tool. Start planning early for permits: city street-use permit, park/vendor permits, COIs from all vendors, and a basic event-liability policy. Check noise restrictions and power needs. For entry fees, pilot a modest gate donation (for example $1–$3) or keep it free and monetize in-event activities to remain accessible.

[LunaQJ]

Petting zoo considerations can be feasible but require careful compliance. If you include animals, confirm animal welfare requirements, vaccination/health records, veterinary oversight, proper barriers and hand-washing stations, and crowd-control measures. Some organizers opt for a partner with a vetted farm or a mobile petting zoo that provides staff and health certificates. If space or approvals don’t permit live animals, an alternative demo zone (interactive kid-friendly crafts or “animal behavior” demonstrations) can deliver engagement with lower risk.

[Kenneth.G]

Inclusion and accessibility should shape the layout from the start.Provide clear, accessible routes, plenty of seating, shaded areas, and quiet zones. Ensure restrooms are nearby and signage is readable. Consider ease for seniors (lower-steps entrances, regular breaks, larger font on maps) and use multilingual signage if your community is diverse. Pair activities with family-friendly timing and clear safety briefings to reduce bottlenecks.

[Thomas68]

Practical permits and insurance checklist: secure a street-use permit from your city, confirm fire and food-vendor permits if you’re hosting food, obtain COIs from all vendors, and have a basic event-liability policy. Create a simple safety plan (first-aid station, weather contingency, crowd control). If you add amplified sound, verify any noise curfews; check power requirements and permit scope for any rides or larger equipment. Track insurance, waiver forms for attendees (where applicable), and consider background checks for volunteers in kid-focused zones.

[Hannah30]

Entry fee strategy: it can work if the revenue supports core costs without deterring attendance. A small gate donation or “pay what you can” approach works for inclusivity, but you’ll want to monetize in-event activities or sponsor partnerships to avoid a drop in participation. If you go with a fee, clearly publish what it covers (programs, kid zones, ride safety, etc.) and offer free access to basic areas to maintain accessibility.

[JohnR]

If you want, I can draft a quick checklist tailored to your city and space size, including a permits/insurance timeline and a sample volunteer roster.