Choosing the Perfect Vendors for Your Spring Event at Sparks museum and event center in provo, Utah

Spring is a magical time to host an event at Sparks Museum and Event Center! With the trees filled with leaves, warmer weather, and longer daylight hours, spring events are all about having a great party. However, selecting the right vendors is crucial to bringing your vision to life. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best vendors for a seamless and unforgettable event.

1. Caterers: Fresh, Seasonal, and Crowd-Pleasing

Food is one of the highlights of any event, and spring is the perfect time to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients into your menu. When selecting a caterer:

• Look for licensed and insured vendors who can meet our venue requirements.

• Opt for light, refreshing, and seasonal dishes like garden-fresh salads, fruit platters, and grilled proteins. Magelby’s catering is a great choice when looking for fresh.

• If alcohol will be served, ensure your caterer is familiar with our no outside alcohol policy and works with a bartender from our preferred vendor list. Sparks works with many options some of these are local in Utah County such as Cheers and Swizzels

• Request tasting sessions to ensure their menu fits your event theme. Try out Browns Brothers Catering.

garden deliciousness

2. Floral & Décor: Enhancing the Spring Aesthetic

Spring provides a naturally beautiful setting, and the right florist can enhance your event’s aesthetic with:

• Seasonal flowers like tulips, peonies, and hydrangeas that thrive in spring weather.

• Soft, natural color palettes that match the freshness of the season.

• Sustainable and local florists who can provide eco-friendly décor solutions.

• Compliance with our no open flames, confetti, or loose glitter policies to ensure easy cleanup.

Splash of spring

3. Music & Entertainment: Setting the Mood

Whether you’re hosting a wedding, corporate gathering, or special celebration, music plays a major role in setting the tone. When hiring a DJ or live band:

• Choose a vendor that you trust and has good reviews to avoid last-minute complications.

• Ensure they understand our music end-time policy, as all music must end before the cleanup begins.

• For a more intimate ambiance, consider acoustic musicians or string quartets, perfect for a spring event.

4. Photography & Videography: Capturing the Moment

Your spring event will be filled with picturesque moments that deserve to be captured professionally. When selecting a photographer or videographer:

• Make sure they have experience with natural light photography, as spring daylight offers great opportunities for outdoor shots.

• Choose a vendor who is comfortable working with our event center’s unique backdrop and lighting setup such as Visual Storytelling.

• Check if they allow the venue to use selected event photos for marketing purposes, unless you opt out in writing.

• Ensure they comply with venue policies, such as no boudoir or nude photography.

5. Bar Service: Licensed & Responsible

If alcohol is part of your celebration, selecting a qualified bar service is essential. At Sparks Museum and Event Center:

shaken not stirred

• Bar services must be selected from our preferred vendor list, ensuring they have proper liquor liability insurance.

• No outside alcohol is allowed, and all alcohol must be served from behind the bar.

• All bartenders must follow our no shots and no underage drinking policies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.

• Some of our preferred vendors are DRNK ,COPA , and Cheers and Swizzels.

6. Event Planners & Coordinators: Stress-Free Planning

A great event planner or coordinator can make a world of difference in keeping everything on track.

• Choose a seasoned professional with experience in organizing spring events such as Kenzie Events.

• Ensure they are familiar with our venue’s policies, including vendor access times and cleanup responsibilities.

• Opt for someone who can coordinate vendor setup and breakdown while keeping your timeline on schedule.

Final Tips for a Seamless Event

• Book vendors early – Spring is a popular season, and top vendors fill their schedules quickly.

• Communicate clearly – Ensure all vendors understand Sparks Museum and Event Center’s rules on setup, cleanup, and prohibited items.

• Check for insurance – Every vendor should provide proof of insurance to protect your event from liability issues.

• Enjoy the day! – Once your vendors are in place, relax and enjoy your beautiful spring event.

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our small owned wedding venues. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs. 

Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, SpringHaus Farm, Adler Ranch,Cakes ROCK, The Venue @ 112,Vista West Ranch

how to find the perfect Bartending service for your event in utah county

Are you thinking of having an event in Utah County? Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or a private party, it will require thinking of every detail, including the bartending service. A professional bartender can elevate your event and make the event go smoothly and enjoyable. Here are ten ways to find the perfect bartending service, along with essential considerations regarding laws and insurance.

1. Understand the Legal Requirements

Before beginning your search, familiarize yourself with Utah's alcohol laws. In Utah, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) regulates the sale and service of alcohol. Ensure that the bartending service you choose is licensed to serve alcohol at events.

2. Ask for Referrals

Start your search by asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Personal referrals can provide insight into the bartending service's reliability, quality of service, and professionalism. Sparks Museum and Event Center has hosted events that love DRNK a partner with Lux Catering

3. Research Online Reviews

Look at platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook can provide valuable feedback from customers who have previously hired bartending services in Utah County. Look for services with consistently positive reviews and ratings.

4. Check for Insurance Coverage

It's essential that your bartending service has general liability insurance. This protects you from potential damages or accidents that may occur during the event. Request proof of insurance and verify its validity. Your venue will most likely need this informations as well.

5. Inquire About Experience and Specialization

Find out how long the bartending service has been in business and if they have experience with events similar to yours. A service that specializes in weddings, for example, may offer different options compared to one that focuses on corporate events.

6. Evaluate Their Menu Options

Ensure that the bartending service offers a variety of drink options, including signature cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Ask if they can customize a menu based on your preferences or any themed elements for your event. Naming your own drinks and having a list for your guests is a fun way to make a memory.

7. Ask About Staffing

Determine how many bartenders will be provided based on the number of guests. A general guideline is one bartender for every 50 guests. Ensure the bartenders are professionally trained and knowledgeable about responsible alcohol service.

8. Review Pricing and Packages

Get detailed pricing information, including hourly rates, gratuities, and any additional costs for supplies or equipment. Some services offer packages that include bar setup, mixers, garnishes, and glassware. Compare multiple quotes to find a service that fits your budget. Make sure you ask how long it will take them to set up and check with the venue if they can come in at that time before your event.

9. Clarify Their Cancellation and Refund Policies

Life is unpredictable, and plans can change. Review the bartending service’s cancellation policy and any associated fees. Understanding these terms can help avoid unexpected costs later.

10. Meet in person

Once you have narrowed down your options, arrange an in-person meeting to discuss your event in detail. This is an excellent opportunity to gauge their professionalism, ask specific questions, and build rapport.

Choosing the right bartending service can significantly influence the success of your event in Utah County. Remember to consider legal requirements, get referrals, and then you can secure a reliable and professional service that will keep your guests happy and safe. Always prioritize licensed and insured professionals to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Union 76

This 8 foot porcelain sign is kind of a fluke. A picker / collector in Salem Oregon had this sign. I was headed to visit my sister in Oregon and knew about this picker and planned to stop and visit him and his collection. We had been up the coast through Northern California and then into Oregon. When visiting this picker I had bought some glass cylinders from him when he asked if I wanted to buy the Union 76 sign. I didn’t have the room for this but we made room. It sat at home for lots of years and then when we built the Event Center Museum we had the perfect place to hang it. So happy I bought it way back when as it is a beauty and perfect addition to the wall.

The 1957 Nash metropolitan

Sparky’s father bought a brand new Nash Metropolitan for his wife in 1957. Making this a memorable car . When he saw this car he could not pass it up and had the vision of putting in up on a sign pole. He got it from a friend in Woodscross, Utah who has a huge collection of antique cars. We actually have two of these. The second one came from New Jersey and we had it shipped here to Utah. Neither are on poles at this point but someday they may be…

the sparks sign

This sign was made in 1965 to go on a 48 unit apartment building in Provo that Sparky and his father built. This sign was on there along with the name Roman Gardens. When the building was sold they kept the Sparks sign and hung it in the garage. We, of course had to add the sign (since it is our name) to the collection.

Western Auto

This sign also came from Gary Phillips who got it from an auction. This is the first company that started a franchise. They sold auto parts and sold them to others to sell. They were the supplier and years ahead of there time in the franchise idea. This also came from Indianola, Iowa.

amoco

This sign came from Indianola , Iowa from a Picker named Gary. Amoco was a Standard Oil company where they went from Standard to American to Amaco. They bought out UTOCO. All gas and oil is connected somewhere as it started with ONE and branched and sold and sold again which is why we get to have so many brands and beautiful signs displaying in our Musuem.

IMPERIAL

This sign came from Ozark , Missiouri which is about an hour from Joplin. We were driving through after buying signs in other areas and found this sign from picker named Chris Walters. He always has great signs and we have purchase many from him. We love the shape of this sign. It should have prices under the sign which we have but we like the look without so left it as is.

WhIPPET AND WILLYS-KNIGHT

This is an original sign we purchased of f of Ebay. We have had it many years and found the perfect space to place it in the museum. We like almost anything old and that has something to do oikWhippet and Willys Knight was and Antique car that was made in the 20s and 30s. We just liked the sign so bought it.

Chrysler Pymouth

Plymouth sign came from our friend and picker Chuck Dudley. It was a rough sign that we needed because of the colors and look. Again it is a sign we just like:)

A & W Rootbeer

In 1919 a young veteran named Roy Allen began a Root Beer stand in Lodi California. In 1922 he brought in a friend named Frank Wright and they opened another stand in Lodi. soon they leased their stands to others to operate and trademarked the new name of A & W from their names and went to Sacramento and began franchising A & W Restaurants. They pioneered restaurant franchising . Our A & W sign came from Helper Utah and is a reminder what a good idea plus hard work and ambition can do. The International franchise is huge!

pegasus Collection

Our Pegasus that stand tall on the East entrance came from Texas and is custom made especially for us. Sparky knew how he wanted it and what he wanted and had him make it for us. Another Pegasus that hangs inside the museum came from a guy that came by our Storage Park and asked if we would be interested in some of his Father In Laws collection who had passed away. He had a cookie cutter Pegasus that we could not pass up along with our 7 up Machine, shell Globe and a few other globes.

Our

Marilyn Monroe, elvis and the rat pack

A friend in Gillette Wyoming , named Jeff Wonder had acquired the collection of our famous people who changed the world in one way or another. Elvis through Rock and Roll, Marilyn Monroe with not only her beauty but what the world doesn’t know is she had an IQ higher than Einstein. She was the sexiest most impacting Movie star in the World taking the industry by storm.

The Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis JR) came together and became the gang that played in movies together as well as just ran around together. Individually each having their own sound, singing songs that are timeless.

The Blues Brothers are a more contemporary group. In 1980 they stared in the Movie The Blues Brothers and many went on to star in Saturday Night Live.

Hand carved Native American indian

Our hand carved out of one tree Native American Indians came from an antique store out near Tremonton ,Utah. While Sparky was visiting an antique event near Ogden that has dealers from all over that come to show and tell as well as sell their treasures. This is where he met a dealer that had one of these beautiful carvings. After discussing price he actually had three that we could not pass up. Sparky bought two and his son bought the other. They sat at his home in Sundance out front for years until we recently relocated them to be on display in the Museum.

How do we set our signs

Since we are in the business of “growing” signs we have it down to a science. First we pick the place that we want to “plant” the footing:) We then dig it and pour the cement and put in the rebar so our sign is nice and secure ! We don’t like shallow rooted signs, they need to withstand the stormy weather. Next we pick our pole, either one that has been collected or one that we have custom built (yes we do that too) Then the ring on top. Which ring for which sign. Pick the sign and ring and set the pole on the footing. Just like that our beautiful new sign on a pole has been grown into what we like to call our field of signs.

Frontier, another “cool” Brand.

Frontier is another very cool brand. It began when the two partners in Colorados Bay Oil company couldn’t get along and divided assets. One went to a refinery in Cody Wyoming and started Frontier Oil in 1940. Their first contract was making 100 octane fuel for aircraft in the war. Sparks Museum and Event Center has one of the first signs for gas advertising they sold. It the 5 foot “Golden Cowboy” Frontier sign and is a sign Sparky restored by hand and is one of seven known to exist. Finding that sign is a super “Picker” story! He found it while sitting in Hawaii surprisingly. He son Tim was in Nebraska hunting geese so of course Sparky took the opportunity to hunt for a sign. He looked up the antique dealers in the area and began calling. No luck however, all bad news. In desperation he asked if they even knew anyone who had an old gas pump or sign. ONe of the girls said yes she did and gave Sparky the number. Amazingly the man had a Calso sign and agreed to sell it. Tim was able to meet up with the new contact, yippee. Tim took a short video of the Calso sing plus many others including the two big Frontier signs. I negotiated and was able to get the deal. Finding a way to get Tim the cash was another story but after jumping through hoops and being creative we got them. Sparky picked them up during a different trip as remember Tim was on a hunting trip, and he wasn’t “

oo7 anyone

Our cute little Bede 5 jet that hangs from the ceiling is one of about 300 that exist. It is the smallest jet in the world and is seen on James Bonds 1983 film “Octopussy “ flying thru a barn at 325 miles per hour.

Growing up in Los Angelas

The Hancock gasoline sign came as a reminder of when Sparky was a little boy growing up in Los Angelas. Sparky used to go to the LaBrea tar pits. Hancock Oil was from LaBrea.

Shell shell shell

The shell signs have come from all over including from Canada. Sparky bought Sehll gas in California as a kid but never knew it’s a European based Company till he started collecting signs. Shell changed the World of Petroleum while people were sleeping:) They invented and shared the means of deep water drilling which makes much more of our oil available today.

Perfect for al capone

The 1937 Cord gangster car belonged to a Dr in Chicago, of all the perfect places. We like to think of how this beauty would have looked back when she was brand new driving her owner around the town on a Sunday drive.