Coney Island Boardwalk Bar Mitzvah Theme

The Ackerman family from Bayside, New York celebrated son Alex’s Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 11, 2017 with a service at Hillcrest Jewish Center in Flushing, New York and a Kiddush luncheon following. There was a party in Alex’s honor the following day, Sunday, March 12, 2017 at East Meadow Jewish Center in East Meadow, New York. Since Alex’s Bar Mitzvah fell on Purim, the family created a carnival and boardwalk atmosphere like Coney Island. 

Pictured L-R: Dad Marc, Sister Brianna, Bar Mitzvah Boy Alex and Mom Lauren.

The photographer was Ira Rosen Studio Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.

Kippot/Family/Invitation

Guests found a clever inscription inside the kippot!

The Ackerman family was dressed to party and ready to celebrate with friends and family

The family worked with Invitations by Fran on the invitation which had a navy and silver border

The RSVP card was personalized with Alex's name

Mom Lauren made a sign for each table at the Kiddush luncheon to remind her guests to change their clocks later that evening so they were not late for the celebration on Sunday!

Special Party Touches

Alex's sign-in book next to a poster welcoming guests to his Coney Island themed party

Whirly pop place cards had seating assignments setting the tone for the party inside

Mitzvah Decor

Lighter Than Air transformed the ballroom of the East Meadow Jewish Center into a carnival atmosphere for this celebration.

The logo was a combination of Coney Island's most iconic landmarks: the Wonder Wheel and Cyclone. It was incorporated in the decor, cake topper and favor bags

In the adult section, the ballroom was filled with red, black and white balloons. Pictures and centerpieces brought to life Coney Island's famous landmarks

The base of each centerpiece was clear and filled with popcorn. At the top, there was an aerial photo of Coney Island and Alex's logo

3-D centerpieces adorned the tables which made guests feel like they were actually at the Coney Island boardwalk

Fun signage and picnic tables for the teen section added to the festive feel

Mitzvah Fun and Games

Send in The Clowns provided the games, carnival tents, and picnic benches.

Guests had fun playing carnival games. The Strongman game was a hit with Alex and sister Brianna

"Step Right Up and Try Your Luck...Hoops or Ring Toss Anyone?"

Candle Lighting and DJ Fun

The family did not want to do a typical candle lighting ceremony. They wanted to include everyone so they wrote a poem and handed out glow sticks for everyone to light

A copy of the poem Alex wrote

ET Events provided the non-stop fun on the dance floor

Mitzvah Cake/Favors

The colorful striped cake with logo'd topper was beautiful and delicious

Alex's guests were able to choose a personalized design which was airbrushed onto sweatshirts with Alex's logo on-site and were given out in custom drawstring bags

Alex holding up one of his favor bags which included his great logo, name and date

Sister Brianna can't wait for her Bat Mitzvah and tells guests: "If You Think This Was Fun, Wait Till My Bat Mitzvah!"

Purim Mitzvah Exit Treats

Since the Bar Mitzvah celebration took place during the Purim holiday, the Ackerman family offered Hamantaschen, grape juice, personalized water bottles and bags for guests to fill with sweet treats from the candy cart.

The authentic concession stand, filled with cotton candy, popcorn, and candy, was a great treat for all the guests

Alex enjoying all the sweets from the cart...at the same time!

These bags were given out to the guests as they left to put their "Mishloach Manot" treats in. The note on the bag explained what the Purim holiday is and the idea behind giving these treats to friends and family

Hamantaschen and grape juice were offered along with other amazing desserts for the Purim holiday

Custom water bottles

Mitzvah Project

Alex collected donations of new and gently used costumes which tied in perfectly with the Purim holiday. He collected over 200 costumes which will be donated to charity.

Advice from Mom Lauren

Have fun planning and remember to take a minute to look around the room while the party is in action and take it all in. See how much fun everyone is having especially your Bar/Bat Miztvah child and how all your hard work paid off. Be proud!

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Alex’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Temples/Caterer/Cake: East Meadow Jewish Center, 516-483-4991/President Caterers, 516-367-1200
Decor: Lighter Than Air Events, 516-933-3210
DJs/Music/Band: ET Events, 516-826-6900
Games/Amusements: Send in the Clowns, 516-354-1515
Green Screen Photo Booth: Amuse Us Events, 516-667-6100
Invitation: Invitations by Fran, 718-288-1542 
Photography/Videography: The Ira Rosen Studio, 516-679-1585
Kiddush Luncheon Catering: Jay Geller, Bagel Boss/Lake Success, 516-437-7100
Draw String Bags: Cray Cray Promos, 201-266-6388
Air Brush Designs On-Site: AM Studios, 516-395-1260
Logo’d Sweatshirts: Print Station NY, 516-305-4396
Mom Lauren’s dress: Dress Gala, 631-486-7737
Alex’s service clothes: Kenny’s Menswear, 516-921-2660