I offer parties that are pretty flexible, and it's ok to mix and match themes. Just let me know what you're envisioning and I'll let you know if it's p

 

 

How do we book a party?

• Call 707-616-6876 or email dance@shoshannaland.com

• Follow a link on our Book a Party page

• Party is booked for sure with a $100 deposit via cash, check (to Redwood Raks, 824 L St, #16, Arcata CA 95521), or PayPal to dance@shoshannaland.com or follow the link on the Book a Party page.

• We'll chat FIRST to discuss themes and plan an awesome party. Then I like to chat 1-2 days before party day to ask my favorite questions:

  • How many kids are expected?​

  • Going with cake or cupcakes? (I have cupcakes stands & cake cutting things)

  • Opening Presents? Or not? Unsure? (anything is ok - just nice to plan)

  • How much food do you plan to bring? We recommend light fingerfood snacks. 

  • If we'll be having a tea party, please bring a few jugs of juice for our pretend tea! Avoid juice boxes please.

  • Planning on a pinata or other special things you'd like to do or have happen at your party?

  • Do you want to add on a Bouncy House or Face Painting or a visit from a local dancer or teacher? ($50 each)

​

When are parties offered?​

• Saturdays 10am-12pm, 2-4pm and sometimes 4-6 or 5-7pm

• Sundays 10am-12pm or 2-4pm

• Earlier parties seem ideal for little party people under five.

• Sometimes Friday late afternoons / evenings are possible with several weeks notice. 

​

May I choose a different party theme than the ones listed?

• Yes! Just ask me and I'll let you know if I can do it. :-)

​

How should I list Redwood Raks on our party invitations?

• Here's my suggestion... it can be tricky for folks new to our building:
  Redwood Raks, 8th & L Streets, Arcata in the Old Creamery Building, end of the courtyard off the parking lot. Look for signs!

​

What happens at a fabulous 2 hour party hostessed by Shoshanna?

It's always different and each party is unique, but there is a flow I've developed since 2008 that seems to generally work well with whatever variations are needed!

• The Birthday Family usually arrives 15 minutes before party time so your little one may check out the space and dress-up and/or get face painting done first, and food and other things can be loaded in. As guests arrive we have face painting, crafts, dress-up, balloons and exploring the space for 30 minutes or so. Then I lead games / activities depending on the age / inclination of the party kids that often turns into dancing or movement activities and then free play.
  Usually then it's the 1 hour mark and everyone is ready for snacks, beverages then CAKE. All sugared up, we turn on the party lights / mirrorball for some dancing and more movement games to burn that sugar off, leading into more free-play time. In the last 20 minutes or so presents are often opened, sometimes I read stories or at least have some kind of circle time / cool-down with the kids so that they calm down a bit before changing into their regular selves, receiving their party favors & craft projects and head out to the rest of their days. 

• Depending on your kids we can do more crafts, dancing, dress-up fashion show, obstacle course, classic party games, and more. Just ask!

 

Are Zero-Waste parties possible at Redwood Raks?

YES!!!! I like to try to reduce party waste whenever possible.
I have invested in nice table linens and reusable table settings. Most party waste is food garbage and packaging from cakes and paper from presents, so.... it's up to you!

This is a priority for me. Thank you for avoiding disposable cups and dishes and no styrofoam ever ever ever. 

 

IS tipping ok?

Yes! Birthday parties are a service and I try to go above and beyond to help you enjoy an awesome celebration. We hope you have a grand time, and tips are always greatly appreciated. No worries if it's not in your budget, though!  

​

How many Children should we invite?

Our parties are designed for 15 children with a maximum of 25. Children between 2-12 count as party guests. Please be in good communication with those you invite to have a good idea of who is coming. Thanks!
15 or under party guests = $300

15-20 party guests = $345

20-25 party guests = $390 (25 is a firm maximum)

​

Add a bouncy house for $50 or add facepainting for $50. 

 

Do you offer Goodie Bags?

Yes! I have small drawstring favor bags for each child with stickers, pencils, little coloring books and tattoos. You are welcome to add things or offer your own favors, or we may do a craft in the party that is a great favor.

​

May we celebrate multiple Birthday children?

Yes! That's a great way to share a party in a big space and make it extra affordable. 

​

Are the Parties super structured and packed with activities?

They can be, but I often like to leave the children to develop their own games and play. There is lots to do, and I'm always impressed by the things they come up with! I leave it pretty open and unstructured for their imaginations to run free. When it comes down to it, there's only about 25 minutes before / after snacks & cake where they can frolic freely. 
However, I love playing party games and some children (and more often their parents) thrive on structure and organized play. That's fine, too, and we have lots of activities we can plan for sure. Children 6 and up seem to most enjoy organized games and craft projects. 

I like to follow the KIDS lead on this, of course with parent ideas too. Let's talk to design the best party for everyone!

​

 

OH, NO! I forgot the.......

I have lighters/matches, birthday candles, serving spoons, cake cutters, napkins, etc all ready to go. No worries!

​

Is there a refridgerator at Redwood Raks? Sorry, at the moment we have no fridge or freezer. Please bring an ice chest for cold beverages and ice cream. Since we have a great wood floor, we put a mat underneath your cooler.

​

Do you offer Grown-up Parties? 

Yes! I love to do themed parties for grown-ups and teens. Talk to me about your ideas and we can create the splendid affair of your dreams. Bachelorette parties, birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, ladies night out parties............... click here!

​

Refund & Cancelation Policy

I know - life happens! Your party date is booked with your $100 deposit. Your party date is NOT reserved until the deposit is received.

If you need to cancel or reschedule here is the policy:

​

RESCHEDULING

No fee, but we have to make sure there is a time on the schedule that works for everyone.

​

CANCELATION

If you cancel 15+ days before party, full refund less $20 and any processing fees (if you paid via PayPal). 

If you cancel 8+ days before party, full refund less $50 and any processing fees

If you cancel within a week of the party $100 deposit is forfeit. 

​

​