They still got their ten dollars back--it was more a good faith gesture than anything else. And then we'd only waste 1 slot vice 5....I realize that children get sick or things come up -- but some folks would end up with only half the registered folks attending and that seemed like a waste to me...
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To follow up on Deb's suggestion of a sign up--we also do a 10 dollar reservation fee that we return when you arrive at the pool. Just seems to be a better lock in and causes folks to show--If you don't show then we accept your donation to the PTO because unfortunately we have turned someone away to allow you to attend.
We've done a free family swim night for four years. This is definitely the easiest of all events we've ever done because basically you have nothing to do. You just let the families swim. Now, I do set up a refreshments table, but we ask in our flier that each family bring a snack to share. McDonald's donates an igloo with their orange drink and we are good to go.
Since you have a 100 person maximum, you should probably have folks sign up for a preferred time slot. I would stress that they have to sign up with how many will be attending and then have the lists at the door. If they didn't sign up, then they are free to wait to see if everyone on the list does come. If everyone shows up, tough luck buttercup, should have followed directions. (OK, I'm not really a meanie, I just have a peeve with folks who don't make an effort to know what's going on. )
Good luck and have fun!
In February we will have our 1st swim event at our districts High School pool (through the YMCA). It is on a Saturday afternoon with 2 time slots of 1 1/2 hours with a 40 minute gap for switching. We have a 100 person max. I am sure there are many details we will miss our first year. Any advice would be appreciated.
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