I hope everyone had a happy 4th of July and enjoyed some fireworks! I look forward to fireworks (also corn dogs, watermelon, and fireworks memes) every July 4th. We usually go to The Colony's Liberty By The Lake celebration, but this year we opted to celebrate with a small group of friends for a backyard barbecue. It's already that time of year- I just love the holiday season! July is the time of year when I begin to see those November and December holiday parties inch their way onto my calendar. Let me tell you, there are a lot of parties going on in DFW, and every year, more and more of them are hiring a magician. Some people might ask, "Isn't it too early to be thinking about entertainment for a holiday party?"
In all honesty, the best dates and times book up the fastest. These dates tend to be the first week in December, as well as the final weekend in December. The high demand time of day is typically 6-9pm. If a business has their eye on a specific singer, magician, or flare bartender (especially in DFWs busy market), they should check availability as soon as possible. I've gotten so many inquiries in early November, and it's not fun to break the news that I'm already booked for their inflexible date and time.
However, sometimes a miracle happens with those later inquiries. Last year I had several calls come in, asking for those sought after dates. As usual, I tell them, "I'm currently booked from 12:30-3pm, as well as 7-10pm"- or whatever the case may be. "Can we book you from 4-6?" It sometimes amazes me how things fall into place so perfectly. A true Christmas scheduling miracle. It doesn't always work out that perfectly, but it sure is nice when it does! Last year, December 18th was that kind of perfect day.
All of this being said, it's not impossible to plan an outstanding evening with not a lot of prep time. My advice is to be as flexible as you can. If the singer that you MUST have is only available from 5-7pm, consider hosting a cocktail style party with heavy hors d'oeuvres in lieu of a sit-down dinner and after-dinner concert. Where there's a will, there's a way!
For my holiday time performances that are out of the state and require a flight, I make sure to build in an extra day before and after the event in the case of flight delays or cancellations. Especially when I'm performing magic in states like Michigan or Vermont, I never cut it close and just "hope" for no flight cancellations. A snowstorm can arrive in the blink of an eye!
I just love those last few months of the year. I get to meet so many new folks at these holiday parties, and have fun with them. DFW has some of the most unique and interesting people you'll ever meet! Sure, I may be exhausted by the time Christmas Eve rolls around and I'm finally at home with my family and friends. But as we enjoy Christmas Eve dinner together, I'm always so thankful for another successful year in business. Then it's time to settle into that nice little vacation between Christmas and New Year's Eve... where you aren't really sure what you're supposed to be doing. Yeah, those are the best! So many leftovers and new toys to put together!
Anyway, I'm looking forward to another busy holiday season with my wonderful returning clients, as well as the new ones who have never booked a magician for their holiday parties. If you're looking for a magician in DFW, Dallas (or anywhere in the United States for that matter) to wow your staff, friends, or family at this year's holiday party, give me a shout to see if I'm a good fit for your event.
See you in December!
-Anthony