We had a very successful barnyard birthday party for our two year old for 30 kids and adults of varying ages. To set the mood, everyone was requested to show up in overalls, jeans and other
farm attire. For the younger kids we got tons of books about farms and animals out from the library and laid them out all over the party room. We also set up arts and crafts with
pictures of farm animals to color. For those who wanted to play, we put out all plastic and stuffed farm animals, tractors etc. The little ones kept busy for several hours with all these
activities while listening to kiddie folk music like Pete Seeger.
For the older kids, we had several contests. We had a farm trivia contest as well as a "how many peanuts in the jar" contest. The winner for best costume received a big sack of potatoes. We had a country lunch of baked beans, chicken wings, mac'n cheese, sausages and other homemade treats. For dessert we had a birthday cake frosted green with a whole farm of plastic animals. One section of the cake had crushed Oreo cookie crumbs and was surrounded by a mini plastic fence. We put a plastic pig inside and it looked like the pig was standing in dirt. We also made cookies in the shape of pigs, horses and cows, as well as "haystacks" made of Chinese noodles, chocolate and marshmallows. The highlight of the party was when our Uncle Bill pulled out his guitar and sang "Old Macdonald" as well as many other great oldies. The kids loved him and are still asking for him months later. Party favors were small flowerpots filled with craft paints, brushes, flower and cow stickers and "goldrush" gum, and cow tail candy. It was great fun!