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Needle in a Haystack

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Fall Carnival Booth Idea - Needle in a Haystack!

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Packaged Toys are Best to Hide in the Hay!

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A Fun & Easy Set Up booth for Fall Festival.

NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK - SETUP & DIRECTIONS

Supplies for Needle in a Haystack:

bullet point Large Bails of Hay – for hiding prizes
bullet point Shading for Booth (optional - but appreciated by volunteers)
bullet point Chairs and a Table(s) (optional) for volunteers
bullet point Ticket Box and Sign for Booth
bullet point Pennant Banner or Balloons on Balloon Sticks stuck in the ground to mark off booth area 
bullet point Dozens of different non-breakable carnival prizes and small toys to hide in the hay - at least one prize per child playing this booth

(NOTE: it is best to choose items that are individually packaged - (see examples below)

Game Setup:

Before your festival, mark out the space where you will spread the hay. This activity can be set up on the ground or on tables so see setup based on how you will run this activity below.

Ground Setup:

You may wish to have your space be about 10 ft x 10 ft. If you have a square tent cover - you can use the pennant banner to quickly rope off 3 sides of the booth so you can restrict the number of children playing at one time. If you are on the grass, you may also use balloon sticks with balloons to mark off your booth area.

Add a mix of some of your prizes to the hay and under to hay to make children really search for their goodies!

Table Setup:

For smaller events, use two large tables pushed together. If using tables remember some of your players will be young children, so it is best to choose table with adjustable legs height, and place the tables on the lowest setting so all children can reach the hay.

Add a variety to some of the prizes under the hay so children will need to search to find some goodies. 

How to Play the Haystack Search Game:

Players pay an amount, say 2 tickets, to come into this carnival booth and search through the hay for their favorite 1-3 prizes (decide before the event if they choose one, two or three prizes)!

Be sure to limit the number of players searching at one time so it is not too crowded.

Also, make sure the children are not climbing up a mountain of hay – have the hay spread out fairly well – maybe a small hill a few feet high would be fine in the middle if this is on the ground.

Once children find their predesigned prizes, they are done and they can take their goodies and be off to to next booth.

Additional Hints & Tips:

Fun carnival prizes for this booth could be bubble gum coins, non-breakable rings, sticky hands, packaged candies, and even a dozen or so real half dollars would be great fun for kids!

Be sure to choose prizes that would not break if stepped on (if played on the ground) and having a large variety of prizes is a great idea for this booth!

Tip: Do not put out all of the prizes at once! Put out prizes throughout the carnival so that children playing later in the day still have a chance to find that popular carnival prize hidden in the hay!


 SOME GREAT "WRAPPED" TREASURES To Be Found At The HAYSTACK FIND BOOTH!

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  • Plastic Gold Coins

    Plastic Pirate Gold Coins (144/package) 4¢ each

    Retail: $7.98
    $6.25
    These are fun, novelty plastic gold coins. Kids will think they have been given a real "treasure" when they receive one of these as a consolation prize at a carnival booth! These coins may also be used as a token to earn prizes at a prize booth.Plastic...
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    Retail: $7.98
    $6.25
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  • Sticky Pumpkin on a String

    Sticky Pumpkin on a String (144 total pumpkins in 2 bags) 14¢ each

    Retail: $23.98
    $19.50
    Kids really seem to love these small sticky toys!!  These bright orange jack-o-lanterns on a string are sure to be a favorite prize at your fall festival or Halloween party! Each sticky pumpkin on a string toy comes individually wrapped --...
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    $19.50
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  • Squishy Dinosaur - Small Toy

    Squishy Dinosaur Toys (96 total dinosaur toys in 2 bags) 17¢ each

    Retail: $23.90
    $16.75
    Who will win: the scary tyrannosaurus rex or the goofy triceratops? Well, both, because they're adorable small dinosaurs at an excellent low price! Kids love small toys, so give them a cool, metallic Squishy Dinosaur Toy at your next Dinosaur-themed...
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    $16.75
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  • Disc Shooter Small Toy

    Disc Shooter (96 total toys in 2 bags) 20¢ each

    Retail: $35.98
    $19.50
    This cute, small toy is like a mini Frisbee with a launcher. When you squeeze the plastic handle, the disc flies through the air! Kids love these disc shooters & they are a fantastic prize for your carnival or small toy treasure box!Disc is 1 3/4"...
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    $19.50
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  • Candy Bracelet Candy Bracelet Individually Wrapped

    Candy Bracelet (96 total pieces in 2 bags) 20¢ each

    Retail: $30.68
    $19.75
    Wow - less than 20 cents each! These yummy candy bracelets come individually wrapped and children will love to wear them during your fun event! Be sure to add some to your order - a classic carnival candy!!2 1/2" stretchy bracelets. NOTE: To keep all...
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  • Mini Rainbow Springs Small Toy

    Plastic Mini Rainbow Springs (100 total springs in 2 boxes) 27¢ each

    Retail: $33.98
    $27.50
    You'll remember these classic spring toys from when you were a child. These cute mini springs come in fantastic colors and cute shapes, including star, heart, butterfly, foot, fish, and circle shapes. They are a fantastic carnival prize for boys and...
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  • Plastic Body Jewels

    Deluxe Plastic Body Jewels (12/package) 52¢ each

    Retail: $9.49
    $6.25
    Girls love these Deluxe Body Jewels! A great addition to a Face Painting Booth or perfect as a carnival prize too! Be sure to find something fun for the boys! Body Jewels are makers are 1 1/2 - 2 inches
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