To promote fun, put up a few placards featuring certain well-known
members in some of the events. For instance:
"_See Charlie Hays loop the loop_!"
or
"_Mildred Brown's control is wonderful_!"
A good leader can make this program go off well by calling on
volunteers for the various contests. Sometimes people like better to
take part in teams.
The first test, which is called "ground work," is a hopping stunt. The
contestants hop on one foot to a given goal, and the one who does it
most easily and gracefully and holds out best is declared victorious
by the judges. Blue ribbon badges are pinned on the successful
persons.
Next comes "control," which turns out to be facial control under
difficulties. No matter what the funny, teasing, or pseudo-insulting
remarks or performances of the onlookers, the contestants must retain
calm and unmoved expressions as they stand in line.
"Balance" proves who best can poise an apple on the head and walk
across the room. All the "balancers" start at the same moment, and the
first successful ones are awarded the blue ribbon. Balancing peanuts
on a knife blade and carrying them thus from one end of the room to
the other is another way to execute the test.
When it is time for "flights" everybody is handed a paper aviation cap
to put on. Then paper and pencils are passed and all are invited to
take flights of fancy. These, it may be explained, may be rhymes,
romances, or the biggest lies that can be recalled. A flight of
oratory may also be offered. A committee of three appointed on the
spot promises to report on the winners at the close of the evening. If
preferred, a program of poems and short, comic, exaggerated stories
may be prepared beforehand, and fill in this space with apparent
impromptu.
The stunts and tricks follow in detail:
1. _Hands Up_. Only one person knows the stunt and she quite mystifies
everyone who presents himself and obeys her, till some one guesses the
secret or she finally tells it.
She begins by ordering her student on trial to raise one hand and
keep the other at his side while her own back is turned. Upon turning
around she is able to specify the hand which was raised. The secret
is, of course, that the hand which hangs at the side, because of its
position, becomes redder than the raised hand. At a glance she notes
the difference in color and so knows which hand has been raised.
2. _Spiral_. This is a good mixer. All are asked to form in line, one
behind another, each one's hands on the shoulders of the person ahead.
The leader then starts the line winding around and round the room into
a spiral and then unwinding it--the well-known gymnasium class stunt
which carried through in a sprightly way is bound to make everybody
feel better acquainted.
3. _Reverse Speed_. Any number line up for a backward race. They go as
fast as they can backward to an appointed goal.
4. _Low Speed_. Any number may enter. This is a "slow" race, that is
to say, all contestants progress as slowly as possible to a certain
goal.
5. _Spin_. A supply of children's tops is provided and the ability to
spin them properly is demonstrated. A few musical tops among them will
add to the hilarity.
6. _Nose Dives_. This is a stunt which will probably appeal most to
the boys or the more adventurous girls. It consists of pushing apples
or peanuts along given chalk marks on table or floor by means of the
nose only.
7. _Loop the Loop_. To those who know how to tie different kinds of
knots, the announcement of this contest gives a chance to show what
they can do.
The "air races" are of two sorts: the "hot air" race and the balloon
race. In the "hot air" race the contestants are timed as to the number
of words each can say in three minutes with the eyes shut. For the
balloon race several strings are stretched from one side of the room
to the other, and the same number of toy balloons is supplied. The
object is for the contestants to blow their respective balloons across
the room, following as nearly as possible the courses of string. The
choice of different colored balloons makes for interest and consequent
"rooting."
The arrival of the air mail is heralded by the entrance of someone
dressed in aviator's garments--warm helmet, goggles, gloves and
all--carrying a mail sack (if real, a new one: but an imitation one
suffices).
The aviator then proceeds to take out numerous packets which he hands
to the guests as far as they go. There should be at least half as many
packages as persons present. Each bundle is marked
"_Owner unknown.
Find another to share this_."
The explanation is that each recipient of a parcel must immediately
seek a partner and, upon doing so, open the parcel. Enough sandwiches
for two are revealed. Meanwhile, hot coffee or chocolate is being
passed by pretty waitresses with Japanese fans stuck in their hair
airplane-wise.
The evening may end with a "musical flight," or, in other words, a
rousing "sing."