How can I get people to come to weekly community event?

Question

I live in a rural community. There is NOTHING to do! So I organized a free weekly Game Night at our church. We play board and card games. There are also coloring and kids' games. I set out sodas, popcorn and a fresh cake every week.

The problem? Nobody has come. This is the 4th week with just my bro in law playing Scrabble or Canasta. We have passed out 120 flyers, posted the event on Yahoo Upcoming, and on the website of the nearest city's newspaper.

What else can I do? I really thought that people would be receptive to the idea.

http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/957916/

Answer 1

  Change the day to Monday night . set up a big HDTV and have some booze .  Monday night football is right around the corner .

Answer 2

Well..maybe if you could try a couple different things. Such as splitting things up and changing things so that they are more age oriented. For example, if you know that there are a lot of teenagers that live in your community then maybe you could crank up some hot tunes and breakout the dance floor. Things like that.  Or maybe a weekly movie to get people interested and use up that popcorn and sodas! :D And also you might be able to start a chain reaction. If you get your friends to come and have a good time and then have them invite their friends and their friends invite their friends your Game Night will gradually Grow and GROW!!! Best of luck!! :D

Answer 3

Make posters for local businesses.

Have specific ideas to organize for. Recruit help.

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outdoor things to do:

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Supersoaker squirt gun wars!

Hide n Seek-- in the dark outside around the neighborhood.

Hold your own OLYMPICS…make up sports like blowing the biggest bubble

Make a Golf driving range- get a bucket of balls and hit 'em far.

Go-kart or bathtub racing.

Playing pool or go bowling.

Batting cages-guys love this.

Basketball games at the school outdoor hoops.

Croquet, badmitton in the back yard.

Rollerblading, bike riding, velcro ball catch game, pitching horse shoes.

Campout --bring a tent, sleeping bag build a fire somewhere and make it a family friendly event in someone's rural back yard



Get some Mad Libs off the internet. Loads of laughs on the porch!

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Indoor

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Here's a few more suggestions for activities:

Hold a baking/cooking contest for pies, chili, etc.

Hold an EATING contest. This is an up and coming competition anyway. Host one locally.

Hold an America's Town Has Talent show...like American Idol or America's Got Talent.

Board game night indoors bring a game and challenge others

Rent a horror flick night ...or any other movie genre theme night

Build your own sundae party with a few friends:

ice cream, nuts, choc syrup, banana or 2, cherries, whipped cream, sprinkles, caramel sauce...all in bowls and let everyone go to it.

Make your own Taco party:

Soft burrito/sandwich wraps, cooked ground beef, shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped tomatoes/onion, can red kidney beans, sour cream, salsa sauce...all in bowls and you know the drill.

Answer 4

Cut back on treats and have some prizes.