Carnival Booth Idea: Book Walk!

12" Square Plywood Decorated Cakewalk Number.

Add Numbers to Ping Pong-type balls for Drawing.

BOOK WALK - SETUP & DIRECTIONS

Supplies for the Book Walk Booth:

Tables with tablecloths to Books and to hold Ticket Box
A way to play music (cell phone with external speakers, etc.)
Space to place numbers on the floor or ground in a circle (8 - 12)
Carnival Spinner (sold below) or
Ping Pong-type balls in a bowl with added numbers added
Floor Markers with numbers for players to stand (if laminated paper - strong tape to keep them in place)
Ticket Box and Game Sign
Donated New or Gently Used Books (Donated by stores, or if for a school - ask parents to donate gently used books weeks before your event)
Consolation Prizes (optional -to provide a small piece of candy for those who do not win a book)

Game Set Up:

Before your event, you must find a location to accommodate a large circle for the numbers. This booth is often set up indoors in a cafeteria or at a school carnival.

Many larger schools or non-profits (about 300 or more students), opt to run two game circles simultaneously as the cakewalk is a very popular booth at most carnivals, and the lines tend to be long!

Also, remember that it is best to have the numbers spaced a few feet apart to give the players ample room to move once the music starts.

Indoor Game Setup:

Book Walk Games indoors can use pieces of card stock with numbers taped on the ground. It is ideal for laminating your numbers as well, but in all cases, tape around the entire perimeter of the number securely so kids don't trip while walking.

Of course, the cake and goodie tables can be right next to your game if you choose an inside spot to run this game.

Outdoor Game Setup:

Book Walk Games can be located outdoors on a large field or another space, as shown above - we used an outdoor park gazebo. You can use sidewalk chalk to mark off numbers in a parking lot. Just as above, be sure to allow several feet in between each marker to allow room for players to walk.

Be sure to display your books on a table so the kids can see the covers - which makes it more exciting than just a bunch of stacked-up books!

How to Play the Book Walk Carnival Game:

This game is just like the classic carnival game, the Cake Walk, with a few adjustments.

First, set a minimum number of folks required to play.

For example, if you have eight numbers on the ground, you may decide at least six players are needed per game.

Players stand on one of the floor numbers while waiting for all to take place and for the game to begin. When the music is played, the participants walk around the circle in one direction on the floor numbers. 

When the music stops, so do the players, who all ensure they are standing on a number. The carnival booth volunteer then spins the spinner (or draws out a number from the bucket) to see who wins!

The carnival player whose number is drawn wins the first pick at their book - or they can win two books, and all others choose a book once the winner is done. ! 

Additional Hints & Tips:

Note: In all honesty, some kids are excited about books, but with today's electronic devices and distractions and so much activity to be had at the carnival, this booth can be overlooked.