An insightful observer once commented that "Americans don't spend billions for entertainment. They spend it in search of entertainment." This notion that Americans have an insatiable appetite for recreation and entertainment is corroborated by the fact that our collective expenditures on commercialized amusement exceed Canada's gross national product (GNP). In fact, it is predicted that by 2015, "a new dawn of leisure" will be ushered in, in which the United States' entertainment industry will comprise more than half of the GNP pie. Entertainment is defined as "an event, performance, or activity designed to give pleasure or relaxation to an audience", which participates either passively or actively. Entertainment serves multiple purposes, such as enabling individuals to recharge their batteries. After all, all work and no play allegedly makes us all dull. What follows is a run-down of the most popular and sought-after entertainment providers:
1. Party Rental Companies
To ensure that a momentous occasion is transformed into a memorable experience, many consumers solicit the products and services of a one-stop party rental. Installation and event planning are provided by the average party rental company, which caters to a garden variety of special events including the following:
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family reunions
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birthday parties
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anniversaries
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outdoor barbecues
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graduation parties
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summer camps
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daycare
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weddings and receptions
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grand openings
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carnivals and festivals
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special sale events
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holiday and seasonal parties
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corporate functions, picnics and celebrations
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bachelor/bachelorette parties
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cocktail parties
A full-service party rental company offers its customers a comprehensive event package consisting of a vast assortment of rental products. Consumers may cherry-pick from an exhaustive inventory, which typically consists of the following rental items:
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An extensive selection of tents
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Tent accessories such as doors, fencing, and climate control
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Marquees
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Custom structures and stages
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Professionally-cleaned covers and linens for displays, chairs, and tables
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Decor
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Tables and chairs
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Stylish and traditional china, tableware, quality glassware, trays and bowls and crystal
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Chafing dishes and silver items
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Catering equipment
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Cooking equipment such as rotisseries, steamers, and burners
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Bars
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Tea and coffee service
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Lawn greetings
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Sidewalk signs to show concession or ticket/concession prices
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Lighting for events and stages; holiday lighting
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Audio/video
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Concessions for cotton candy, frozen ice, and popcorn
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Griddles, barbecue, and grills
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Dance floor
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Interactive and field games such as water slides, bubble machines, inflatable moonwalks, and dunk tanks
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Corporate entertainment such as casino events with top-of-the-line gaming tables
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Bags of prizes
Party rental companies also supply artists for any celebratory watershed, the most frequently-requested performers being the following: (1) a clown, (2) a magician, (3) a disc jockey, 4) band singers of all musical genres (contemporary/rock/R&B, jazz, bluegrass/classical, etc...), (5) a puppeteer who brings to life a host of popular puppet characters, and (6) hypnotists.
Prospective customers usually obtain a price quote after the initial consultation and analysis of the job's scope. The amount of the delivery charge will depend on the destination for the event, the on-site location (i.e. loading dock or ground floor), and the timing of the pick-up or delivery, among other factors. Numerous party rental enterprises offer promotions, discounts and specials. To choose the right party planner, consumers should find a company that has the resources needed to implement their event. Party rental firms range from small operations to large event and party service centers . Customers should comparison shop and focus on businesses that correspond to the type and size of event they have in mind. Furthermore, they should not hesitate to ask a provider for a look at its line of equipment. Preferably, the party rental company should be a member of a trade or business organization, such as the American Rental Association, whose members hold themselves to high standards. It is recommended that consumers provide a party rental business with two to six months' advance notice of their anticipated event.
2. Theaters
Entertainment venues range from the West End, Broadway, and the opera house to community theaters, improvisational theaters, street theaters, and dinner theaters.
3. Pool Halls
The game of pool brings a sense of relaxation to some, while others tend to view it as more of a competitive sport. Either way, pool halls are a popular place to escape to for a few hours, grab a beer and some finger food, and socialize with friends.
4. Banquet Halls, Ballrooms and Reception Halls
When it comes to weddings, fundraisers, holiday parties, corporate events, themed celebrations and social galas, the preferred entertainment venue is usually at a banquet hall, ballroom or reception hall.
5. Tattoo and Piercing Parlors
There are plenty of such parlors throughout the country. Consumers should be discriminating about which tattoo parlor or piercing parlor to frequent, since cleanliness and safety are primordial. When shopping around for quality tattoo and piercing parlors, prospective clients should find out (1) whether the artist is certified (ex: sterilization and autoclave certifications), (2) whether he or she wears gloves, (3) whether any complaints have been lodged against him or her with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.com), (4) how long the parlor has been in business, and (5) whether the equipment is properly maintained and clean.