Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Cotton Candy machine can be placed into just about any vehicle. The easiest way to transport it is in the back or an SUV or Minivan. However, in can also be transported in a large car seat with the seat belt holding it in place. WARNING: Machine is made of metal and has many corners on it. You will want to bring protection for your car seats to prevent any damage to your seats.

An electrical outlet with 10.5 amps (1250 watts) is required to run the Cotton Candy machine. All concession machines come with a 3 foot cord. If you can not place the machine close to an outlet, a 12 gauge extension cord is required. If you do not own a 12 gauge extension cord, we can rent one to you to prevent any electrical problems.

Cotton Candy machines weigh around 30 pounds. Therefore, they must be placed on a sturdy table. A folding card table will NOT be sufficient. The best place to put a Cotton Candy machine is on a Cotton Candy cart that is specifically made for the machine. However, a counter top or commercial banquet table is also recommended.

No. The operator must be a minimum age of 18 years old. The Cotton Candy floss head gets extremely hot and can burn someone’s hand if they are not careful and it spins extremely fast.

Another great reason to rent from The Fun Ones is that you do not need to clean the machine. We will clean the machine.

Yes. However, we can not guarantee the performance of the machine since we have only tested it with our supplies.

Absolutely! You can be one person trying to raise money or a group of 10 thousand. We have no minimum size restrictions.

No. There is no money needed upfront for this fundraiser. We provide free color brochures and order forms. You pay us after you sell the Cookie Dough and collect the money. You pay for your order with the money you collected.

Although extensive research over long periods of time has shown us that average float time of the balloons from local party stores if filled with 99% pure helium is 12.2 hours, we conservatively plan on up to 8 – 10 hours. Float time can vary significantly based on the level of inflation (under inflation, regular inflation or over inflation), size of balloon (9″, 11″ 18″) and external factors such as temperature and humidity. (Balloons float longer in colder temperatures and in higher humidity.) The Fun Ones recommends inflating balloons 1-2 hours prior to the event for the best results.

Each operator should read and understand the following instructions:

1. The ride must be supervised at all times while someone is in the ride.
2. The ride should not be operated if wind exceeds 15 mph or in rain or lightning conditions.
3. Riders must remove loose or sharp objects including glasses and dangling jewelry.
4. All riders must remove their shoes.
5. No Silly String, Sand, Food, Drink, Candy, or Gum. (If there is a sandbox on the property, cover it before the party begins)
6. Riders should be grouped by size. Only riders of the same size should be allowed in the ride at the same time.
7. The rated capacity should never be exceeded. The capacity of the ride is as follows: 15’ Bounces: Small Children: 8-10 Medium Children: 6-8 Teens or Adults: 4-6
8. The operator should assist the riders when they enter and exit the ride.
9. The operator should position himself/herself in close proximity to the entrance of the ride.
10. While the ride is in operation, the operator should watch the riders at all times. No roughhousing or horseplay should be tolerated. No climbing on the nets is allowed. Anyone who does not obey the rules after being warned should be asked to exit the ride (operators should be made to understand that they are in control of the ride…It is important to protect the safety of all riders to remove someone from the ride who is not following rules)
11. The operator must strictly enforce the rules posted on the warning sign.
12. The operator must remain in control of the ride at all times.

WARNING – Individuals with head, neck, back, or other muscular-skeletal injuries or disabilities, pregnant women, small infants, and others who may be susceptible to injury from falls, bumps or bouncing are not permitted in the unit at any time.

Bad weather can arrive in the form of rain, lightning or strong wind.  In each case you want to evacuate the ride as quickly and safely as possible.

• Remain Calm! If you panic, your riders may also panic.  Stay calm and focused on your job, which is to help your riders exit the ride quickly, but in an orderly fashion.
• After everyone has exited the ride, deflate the ride by turning off the blowers or fans.
• If a blue tarp was provided, it should be used to cover the bounce to protect it from the weather.
• If light rain with no wind, leave the ride up until the rain stops. Dry off the down the bounce surface

When a loss of power occurs the ride will slowly start to deflate.

• Remain Calm! You will have ample time to help your patrons quickly and safely exit the ride. This situation tends to cause panic…unless the operator stays calm and relaxed. Talk calmly to those inside the unit telling them not to panic while you’re helping them walk out.
• Check to see if the blower has come unplugged or if the extension cord is unplugged from the outlet, then plug them back in and the ride will re-inflate.
• Contact the office at 630-495-3200 or call the emergency number at the top of your contract. Do not leave the ride unattended.

If the ride becomes damaged while in your operation, take the following steps.

• If the ride is ripped or otherwise begins to lose air, then assist all riders from the ride and deflate it.
• Write down what happened, when, and any other details you observed and turn this report in to the Responsible Party.
• Contact the office at 630-495-3200 or call the emergency number at the top of your contract immediately. Do not attempt to continue to operate the ride.

Yes. The popcorn machine can be placed into just about any vehicle. The easiest way to transport it is in the back or an SUV or Minivan. However, in can also be transported in a large car seat with the seat belt holding it in place. WARNING: Machine is made of metal and has many corners on it. You will want to bring protection for your car seats to prevent any damage to your seats.

An electrical outlet with 10.5 amps (1250 watts) is required to run the popcorn machine. All concession machines come with a 3 foot cord. If you can not place the machine close to an outlet, a 12 gauge extension cord is required. If you do not own a 12 gauge extension cord, we can rent one to you to prevent any electrical problems.

Popcorn machines weigh around 70 pounds. Therefore, they must be placed on a sturdy table A folding card table will NOT be sufficient. The best place to put a popcorn machine is on a popcorn cart that is specifically made for the machine. However, a counter top or commercial banquet table is also recommended.

No. The operator must be a minimum age of 18 years old. The popcorn kettle gets extremely hot and can burn someone’s hand if they are not careful.

Another great reason to rent from The Fun Ones is that you do not need to clean the machine. We will clean the machine. The only thing that we ask is that you wipe out the bottom of the machine and dump the kernel tray so that popcorn is not spilled during transportation.

Yes. However, we can not guarantee the performance of the machine since we have only tested it with our pre-measured kits.

There are 3 types of tents to choose from Canopy, Frame, and Pole.

• Canopy Tents are lightweight and are designed to provide shade or protection from light rains. Perimeter staking is required and center poles every 10 feet are required. Our canopy tents allow solid and windowed side walls which is an important factor when choosing a company in Chicago to rent from. Most rental company tents are of lower quality and can not support side walls. If there is a chance for rain, having the option to install sidewalls is invaluable. Ideal use for canopy tents are backyard parties and forest preserves when there is less than 100 people. Canopy tents are for grass setups only.
• Frame Tents are made of a reinforced vinyl or vinyl coated canvas stretched over an aluminum frame. Since they have no center poles, the inside area is unobstructed. Minimal staking or weighting (if any) is required and they are perfect for installation in areas where staking is not practical, i.e. parking lots, patios, decks, driveways, etc. Ideal use for frame tents are Information booths, Vendor booths, Walkways, Presentations Seating.
• Pole Tents are supported by perimeter poles and center support poles. Pole tents require staking around the perimeter of the tent. Center support poles every 15 feet. (Be sure you have an additional 8′ to 10′ of space in addition to the tent size for staking.) Pole tents can be setup on grass or asphalt. For large events around Chicago, pole tents are usually the tent of choice.

Our tent rental packages include:

• The Tent
• Tables
• Chairs
• Setup and Teardown labor (most companies charge extra for this, but we don’t!)

Delivery costs are not included, and can vary based on your event location. Contact us for delivery and package pricing!

• Sidewalls – Solid and windowed sidewalls are available on all of our tents. Windowed sidewalls offer an upscale appearance and will not require additional lighting during the day.
• Fans/Air Movers/Heaters/Air Conditioners – Depending upon the expected ambient temperature, these options can greatly increase the level of comfort. (Tent sidewalls are needed when either of these options are used.)
• Lighting – Lighting can be used for practical application (like to see what you are eating) or to create a desired effect or mood. Lighting is required when solid side walls are used. (unless you are doing a haunted house…)
• Table/chair accessories such as linens, chair decorations, DJ tables, stages, dance floors, bars, band risers, and food/beverage tables are also available.

Select a level area and make sure that you are not placing it in a low area where water will flow or accumulate if it should rain. If staking is required, be careful of the unseen underground factors that may affect the tent placement, i.e. sprinkler systems (checking the sprinkler timers is not a bad idea either), gas and water lines, and telephone and electrical conduit or wires. In most municipalities the local utility companies will be happy to visit the site and mark the locations of their pipes, wires, etc. If electrical service is required to the tent for lighting, etc. try to locate the tent in an area where power can be easily accessed and run to the tent. Electrical generators are also available for areas where electrical power is not readily available.

We setup the day before your event and take down the next business day. For example if you event was on Saturday, we would setup Friday and tear down on Monday. Don’t take the chance of the tent still going up while the guests are arriving which leaves no time for the you, the caterer or band to set up the area prior to guest arrival.

We carry a 3 million dollar liability policy should any of our equipment cause damage or injure someone.

You are required by law to contact JULIE at least 48 business hours prior to installing the tent. JULIE, Inc. will notify local utility companies who will send a locator to mark their underground facilities using paint and/or flags. Once marked, you will know the approximate location of buried utility lines and can install your tent safely. If we are installing the tent we will contact JULIE, but we also need to give them 48 business hours to do the utility locates on your property. The call to JULIE and the services are free. Dial 811 or 800-892-0123.

Wedding or Garden Party
The typical wedding or garden party under a tent will require space for guests to be seated at round tables, as well as space for buffet, head tables, bars and dance floor. Although every party has unique requirements, the general rule for this type of party is to allow 18 square feet per guest.

Cocktail Parties
Since there isn’t the need for as much furniture at a cocktail party, minimal seating, smaller food stations, etc.) the space allowance can be reduced to 10-12 square feet per guest.

Ceremony or Row Seating
For wedding ceremonies or public assemblies, one must allow for the chairs, space between the rows, aisles, and space required for the podium and/or stage. The suggested allowance is 8 square feet per person.

Please remember no two functions are alike. Each event deserves to be looked at individually. Be sure to check with the caterer or band for any special needs.

One 5′ Round table with 8 to 10 chairs, consumes 100 sq. ft.

• 5′ Round table seats 8 comfortably
• 6′ Round table seats 10 comfortably
• 6′ Rectangle table seats 6 to 8
• 8′ Rectangle table seats 8 to 10

This chart will give you a guide to how many people fit under a tent with 3 different seating arrangements. The first arrangement is a Formal Sit Down arrangement that utilizes round tables. The round tables are typically used for weddings and black tie events. It is not uncommon for casual events to use round tables since round tables allow eye contact with every person sitting at the table. The second arrangement is the Cafeteria Style arrangement that utilizes rectangle tables. The rectangle tables are 8 feet or 6 feet in length.

We can help you plan your event, and set up a tailor-made package for your exact requirements. Our professional event planners take into account your budget, venue, expected attendance, and any other relevant factors to put together the perfect package. We can help plan seating, layout, and other logistics as well. Just reach out and we can get started!