Parenting

Is this too much for a 4yo B'day?

We have never had a "friend" party for DS.  He has gone to parties for his DC friends and our neighbors, but we haven't had a party for him.  This year he asked for one.  So I want to give him one.  He has asked for 2 specific things.  Thing 1 is for his friend J to be there.  I am working with her Mom to make this happen.  Thing 2 is for a firetruck.  He is not asking for a toy firetruck, he wants an actual firetruck at his B'day.

So, I found a guy who is an actual firefighter and owns a retired firetruck.  He does B'day parties and other events when he is not working.  He will drive up to your party in the truck with lights and sirens and then he does games and a fire safety class with the kids then they get to play on the truck and shoot the hose.  At the end of the party the B'day child & parents get to ride around the block in the truck. 

I really like the idea of the fire safety class because it is both fun and educational.  He will dress in his full turn out gear for the kids so they know what a real firefighter will look like if they are ever in a fire.  This is important because in full gear a FF is kinda scary looking and kids will sometimes hide from them which makes rescuing them more difficult.

For all of this he charges about $350 (based on distance he has to drive to/from your party).

Do you think this is too much for a 4yo party?  I would invite probably 15-20 kids (plus siblings) and I would basically just be paying this guy and providing pizza, cake & favors.  He would take care of all entertainment.
The Book of Love Has Music in it

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Re: Is this too much for a 4yo B'day?

  • msdrdgmsdrdg member
    @chickenonsunday, I originally wanted to have the party at a firehouse but when I called they said no because of liability.  I think if it was a volunteer house it would be a different story, but because it is a city firehouse they can't do it.

    If I lived in the same state as my Brother I could have it at his firehouse for free and he would do the whole class and what not, but alas, I am in MA and he is in CT.
    The Book of Love Has Music in it

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  • that's kickass.  if you got the moolah, doooo eettttt.




    however long the night, dawn will break.

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  • MaebbMaebb member
    It sounds really cool; I say do it if the money is not a hardship for you.

    I mean, people spend more than that on petting zoos, going to some expensive restaurant or activity place, etc., and I like that yours is educational.
  • That sounds like a shitload of fun for a 4 y/o boy. $350 is about $100 more expensive than most party venues in my area but I'd go for it. Sounds like all the kids will have a blast!
  • I think it's fine if you can swing it. The kids will love it!
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    Our sweet girl is 3!


    Lilypie - (R7Ux)


  • I think this sounds awesome. I would do it.
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    Our Little Raspberry Born 3/27/12


  • That sounds like a shitload of fun for a 4 y/o boy. $350 is about $100 more expensive than most party venues in my area but I'd go for it. Sounds like all the kids will have a blast!

    Really? I'm jealous.  $350 is the cheapest here (outside of a park maybe)

    Yes. We paid $250 for a two hour party for DD this past winter at a bouncy house place. But her 5th birthday party will most likely be more expensive as she wants it at this indoor go karting place and they want close to $300 for a 2 hour party.

  • Sounds awesome to me!
                                                                                      
  • Do it!  The kids will love it! 
  • @msdrdg‌ Does the guy have a website? Can you link it? I'm in MA too and would love to see if he's anywhere near us?
    Susie, mom to DS 4/10/07 and DD 3/6/09 (MC 9/05, 2/06) Lilypie Fifth Birthday tickers Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
  • It sounds awesome, but personally, I try to keep the friend parties within the $200 mark. Preferably less.
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  • msdrdgmsdrdg member
    @susie2005 https://www.afiretruckforall.com/

    The "reservations" page doesn't actually seem to get to him, so if you want to contact him you should use the e-mail address he provides.
    I think he said he is based out of Pembroke and charges per mile round trip + a basic fee.
    The Book of Love Has Music in it

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