Color Station Decoration Ideas
The color stations are the heart of your fun run. Although your runners are just passing through for a minute, your volunteers will appreciate the look and feel of a decorated and lively color station. If you don’t know what a Color Station is, it is the point along your course where you will have several volunteers dispersing a single color of powder at your runners as they pass by. Many of our customers stick between 3-5 color stations total at their event, but you can do as many as you’d like!
Color Station Basics
Volunteers
At most events, you will want to designate at least 2-4 volunteers at each station to help get everyone nice and colorful. A few on either side will do the trick! If you are working with a larger crowd, you may want up to 6 volunteers.
Squeeze Bottles – or Other Dispersing Methods
We love squeeze bottles! Arming your volunteers with a squeeze bottle will ensure that they have the perfect tool to efficiently douse your participants in our bright and bold colors. The bottles are our favorite because they allow your volunteers the most control over the powder and you will not waste as much. We offer the 24 oz. bottles that are built with a wide mouth, so they are super quick and easy to refill in between runners. Another way to disperse the powder is with small cups, but you can visit our blog all about throwing color powder and the best practices.
Color Powder – of course!
The main event! Everyone is looking for the bright and vibrant colors to be thrown all around and get covered in the rainbow! Our bulk color powder creates an array of vividness and will wow your crowd as they make their way across each color. In most cases, the best way to purchase your color powder will be in the bulk 25 pound bags. Our team is excited to chat with you and get you exactly what you need for your set of runners.
Idea #1: Balloon Arches
An inexpensive and aesthetically appealing way to jazz up your color stations is with the help of a balloon arch! Deck out the start of your event and each color station with a curved masterpiece. All you need to do is secure your balloons, blow them up and string them together with a stand. Recruit some volunteers or students to help set up a beautiful structure or find a local balloon artist to aid in the construction.
Idea #2: Feather Flags
Nothing lets your runners know what color to expect much like a color flag. These are easy to find or rent and add that extra touch to your color stations. If you are doing this as an annual event, you may want to invest in some custom feather flags to use each year!
Idea #3: Jazz Up Chain Link Fences
Do you have a Chain Link Fence near your event area? A fun and easy activity to do is use plastic cups or streamers and announce your event! This is a cheap way of signage and can be totally customized with your school colors and date. Recycle old water bottles and spray paint them for a resourceful art piece. Segment the fence to create a classroom or grade level battle as to who can get the most creative rainbow fence!
Idea #4: Photobooth and Backdrop
Capture the best memories with a rainbow photo opt! Want a technicolor splash in the background of all your group pics or selfie station? Easy! Gather a variety of colored tablecloths from your local dollar store and hang them high for a draped rainbow display. Or get crafty with some streamers to add some texture!
Another great way to show off your rainbow spirit and pose for the camera is with an interactive cloth to color yourself! Grab a white sheet and let your participants cover it in the colors of the run. This will add a personal touch to your event and allow your runners to show off their artistic abilities and sign to save for the future.
Idea #5: Chalk Words of Inspiration
Spruce up the ground with words of inspiration and encouragement! Grab some side-walk chalk and hit the pavement with phrases that engage your runners and keep them motivated. Not to mention, the beautiful art that can be created!
Get fancy and throw in some small obstacles! Similar to hopscotch, but instruct them to do a twirl, then touch their toes, then stomp their feet like a dinosaur! The possibilities are endless and can create a fun activity for volunteers or students.
Idea #6: Run Through Start/Finish Line
Kick off the race strong or end it with a bang by using a line that your runners can break-through! Make a colorful arrangement of streamers or with a banner – just about anything that can be run through will do. This will give your event an official feel and leave your participants proud as they cross the finish line.
Idea #7: Rainbow Check-In Table
Greet your participants with a fun and bright sign-in table! Have 2 volunteers running the check-in table and have your pens and waivers ready for parents to autograph and collect their race bibs, swag bags or medals.
Use table cloths, streamers/crepe paper, tulle or tinsel to create a display of rainbow delight. Make them yourself or purchase one premade from vendors like Walmart or Amazon.
Idea #8: Bulletin Board/Door Contest
Don’t limit the decorations to just outside! Let the color shine throughout the whole school. Host a bulletin board or door decorating contest with the theme ‘Color!’. Let each classroom create their own masterpiece with what they think of when it comes to color and rainbows. Announce the winner on the day of the event and offer a prize to the winning class (i.e. popsicles, pizza party, extra color powder).
Idea #9: Balloons, Balloons, Balloons!
An easy and fun way to enhance the event grounds is with balloons! Create balloon columns with wacky arms or bunches! These make any area look full and extravagant. Go crazy with all the colors of the rainbow, or keep it simple with your school colors.
