Doing the Happy Bounce In Sarasota County

What constitutes a good kid’s party? No, scratch that. Let’s go bigger. What are the components of a party that will make the small guests grin from ear to ear and have the moms bending each other’s ears in a rehash sesh?

And, let’s one up that one also, shall we? What is the best children’s party you have ever been to? You know the one – – sans alcohol, the whole event seemed like a dream, with every little detail tended to in splendid fashion. Little “oohs” and “aahs” sprinkled in to make you think you had better up your party game, or even your own kids will refuse to show up for the next one. 

 

 

For me, there are a surprising number of parties that stick out in my mind; and with two kids I literally feel like I have been to 1000 birthday parties. I remember some for their themes and others for the exquisite food (something I am very fond of). One constant rings through in all of these memories – that the hostesses were always the same, and the incredible array of bounce houses, slides, decorations, snazzy snack machines – – were all provided by Do the Happy Bounce. If you have not attended a party planned by Jana, I dare say you have not partied at all.

Jana Thompson and Ernest Parker, owners of Do the Happy Bounce, have been delighting partygoers around Sarasota County for nearly a decade. Together, they have created a business built on bounce houses, water slides, party games and event paraphernalia. If it needs to be fun, call Jana! If your must haves are aplenty and you need a seasoned planner to guide you to the best equipment for your event, call Jana! And, if you want to talk to know a thing or two about giving back, call Jana! In fact, just recently, Do the Happy Bounce joined forces with some other local businesses to honor Imagine School at North Port’s Young Marines Program. The group was so happy to receive a donation of a 16-foot inflatable which Jana hopes they can use to “add some extra levels of competitiveness to their drills, field meets, fundraising, and more.”

We had the pleasure of engaging in party talk with Jana, not only about everything that Do the Happy Bounce offers, but also about the pride they have for their community. From Bradenton to Parrish, Lakewood Ranch to Downtown Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Punta Gorda – – if you have a party to plan, let Do the Happy Bounce bring the fun.

SP: What made you decide to open this type of fun party rental/event business?

DHB: For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a party person! In 2007/2008, I purchased a residential grade water slide for my son’s birthday party and that is what got the wheels turning. After renting a bounce house for the first time in 2009, we knew that having a party business was something we could do. We started small with five units and now have over 65!

SP: You guys are always giving back to the community. Can you tell us a few of the events that Do the Happy Bounce is involved with on a yearly basis?

DHB: Our community means everything to us. Over the last couple years, we have really tried to focus on the more personal side of things. We have provided our inflatables and services to families who have suffered a loss of a loved one/parent, and families who may be down on their luck due to a job loss, etc… We donate to our local schools. We have honored local heroes. Every year we provide free inflatables to Remember the Fallen 5k, National Night Out, and so many other events and organizations. Giving back is so important to us! We wouldn’t be where we are today without our community.

SP: What is it like setting up parties for people? You have added so many amenities throughout the years. What all do you offer now? What is the largest number of pieces one customer has rented for a single party?

DHB: Setting up for parties is always a big task. We take pride in working with our customer to make sure that we meet their time frames and are always accessible if needed. We have a full range of inflatables with something for people of all ages. In addition, we have carnival games, concessions (snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy), tables/chairs, dunk tanks, and more! The most units one individual residential customer rented was five for his wife’s 40th birthday. What a husband!

SP: You throw some amazing parties. Can you give us an idea on what you think are the best elements for a kid’s celebration? Does Do the Happy Bounce have any specials coming up for the fall season?

DHB: We love to party! I’m that crazy mom, and my husband is forced to help and join the fun. The most important elements are friends, family and fun. Do the Happy Bounce really inflates the fun! For fall we will run different weekly specials; for example, rent/pay for one day and get the inflatable for the weekend. We are excited to show off our new pumpkin bounce house and we have some pretty amazing Christmas/Holiday themed inflatables coming soon as well.

For more information on party rentals, please visit their website here.

Photos courtesy of Do the Happy Bounce.