Poppy’s Playground Dance Party Celebrates Young, Wild and Three

“Young, wild and three” was the energetic theme for Poppy’s playground birthday party, which took place at Temple Sinai’s playground, better known as the Mercaz (the Center).

According to Jaimee Boettcher, Temple Sinai’s director of operations and events, “Mercaz is a natural learning space where children are able to explore nature-inspired climbing structures, discover hidden forts, put their imagination to work onstage and use its outdoor space for programming and worship. When the playground is not in use, members and non-members are invited to rent the Mercaz for private events.”

Mr. Kevin, from Mystical Parties, added a signature twist with balloon favors.

Balloons Over Atlanta, owned by Gayle and Brian Rubenstein, got the party popping. Since 1979, they have been Atlanta’s premier balloon delivery and decorating service.

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As certified balloon artists, they have planned decades of grand openings, b’nai mitzvot, corporate galas, endless parties, gatherings, weddings and simchas. Event Visions, the event side of the business, has designed an extensive lineup of festivals — including the popular annual Atlanta Jewish Life Festival.

Ali and Marc Garfinkel and their three-year-old, Poppy, are ready to party at Temple Sinai’s playground.

“We get calls long in advance for mitzvahs to save the date and, as we get closer, we nail down the specifics, from glow-in-the-dark themes to a camping fantasy,” said Gayle Rubenstein. “Organic and free-flowing ballooning is the ‘in’ thing and works well for all settings. We still do arched columns, but now whimsical décor is more popular. Large ceiling installations are also a cool look. Outdoor settings do well with air-filled balloons, which can be anchored to existing structures like fences or gates.”

“People are choosing unconventional spaces from the outdoors as well as loft-like space,” says Balloons Over Atlanta General Manager Sarah Parrish. “We add color, shape and form, and also create florals, logo designs and custom print and combine all these new unique spaces. Balloon trends include mirror-finished and chrome-finished balloons. People love the oversize marquee letters that light up, and we incorporate balloons.”

Atlanta’s favorite DJ, Sammy Rosenberg, and partner Frankie Acosta rock the party with a playlist of kids’ favorite songs

DJ Sammy Rosenberg, Atlanta’s beloved favorite music man, got the party rocking with a playlist that would make any three-year-old happy.

“Play It Again Sammy,” who has won the Atlanta Jewish Times Reader’s Choice Award for Best Live Entertainment, said, “I grew up with Tourette syndrome and was a little bit different. Since the age of 10, I loved music and dancing. At every bar or bat mitzvah or wedding, I would be on the dancefloor and I’d be dreaming, ‘That’s what I want to do one day.’ When I married Katie Alterman Rosenberg, I was talking to my father-in-law and someone called and offered me to buy their equipment. I got a business license and started DJ’ing. I am one of those people who sees an elderly woman stomping her foot and I would dance with her. I eventually hired a partner and now we’re constantly entertaining people.”

Balloons Over Atlanta balloon columns and organic balloons added a colorful touch.

Rosenberg’s partner in the DJ business is Frankie Acosta. “He joined me a year and a half ago and knows how to do everything,” says Rosenberg. “He is the magic with music, reads a crowd and makes it amazing. Three-year-olds love music and it’s important to introduce music at a young age. When I DJ young kids’ events, it’s the Baby Sharks, the kids jump and I love their energy.”

Balloon twister Mr. Kevin, who stayed busy churning out princesses, swords and royal crowns, was booked through Stephanie Hebert, owner of Mystical Parties.

Personalized favors with each guest’s name, created by Ali, greeted partygoers.

“I launched Mystical Parties with hand-picked entertainers,” she told the AJT. “Since 2009, we have provided entertainment for events around metro Atlanta, including face painters, balloon artists and characters like princesses and superheroes. Popular Mr. Kevin, the balloon twister, has been with us for over 15 years.”

Last but not least, there was the cake. DJ Sammy led the crowd in a round of “Happy Birthday” as tie-dyed cupcakes were distributed and the birthday girl blew out the candles. Alli Marbach, the owner of Cakeology, had some good news to share.

Party guests enjoyed Cakeology’s delicious, tie-dyed cupcakes.

“Thanks to the amazing support of our customers, we are now renting a wonderful commercial kitchen at Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs,” she told the AJT. “To order, visit our website and request a quote. We offer pick-up from Temple Sinai and free delivery within 10 miles of the kitchen.”