Parents invest in their children in many ways: providing the staples of life (food, shelter, etc.); their education, including not only their formal education, but also extracurricular activities; insurance; medical and dental care; and so on.
Those investments have both tangible and nontangible “pay offs” … as a parent, your “lists” may differ from others and, indeed, may evolve as baby grows into child, then into teenager, then young adult…
Parties—celebrations of all sizes and shapes—are one way we celebrate our “investments” milestones. Whether you’re planning for a baby shower, birthday, graduation or other celebratory event, you’re in luck if you live in Cleveland County and Oklahoma City, home to one of this area’s only party, concession and balloon stores.
We asked Mara English, owner of Ace Party Supplies & Showtime Concession (AcePartySupplies.com), to talk a bit about what they have to offer those planning for graduation celebrations, as well as details on the store.
Q. We're coming up on graduation time. What do you offer event planners?
A. We have custom high school-printed items for nine local high schools (including Moore, Norman and Edmond), and are adding to this list every year! We offer a large selection of graduation party and decor supplies. And we have the ability to create custom balloon decor for graduation ceremonies, parties and celebrations, large or intimate.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about the store?
A. ACE stands for 'Always Celebrate Everything,' and I believe there is always something to celebrate! Ace Party Supplies & Showtime Concession has been serving the community since early 2018. We are the Oklahoma City area's largest locally owned, woman-owned party and concession supply store. In our 9,000-square-foot-plus store, you’ll find balloons, birthday supplies, theme parties, and concession equipment and supplies (popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, nachos, etc). We also carry the largest selection of balloons and offer delivery services throughout the metro. We will even inflate balloons that are brought in or purchased elsewhere.
Additionally, we offer 10% discount days off party supplies (with ID), along with specials on Military and First Responder Mondays, Teacher, Student and Support Staff Tuesdays, and Senior Wednesdays.
With the closing of Party City, a lot of families will be wondering where to go locally for party supplies and balloons, and we are here to help in every way we can!
Q. As this is our investment issue, could you talk about how you are invested in the community?
A. We work very closely with our community, helping schools with everything from popcorn days to spirit weeks. We have give-back programs where we donate up to 25% of sales to organizations and nonprofits. Have a local bulletin board in the store to help share announcements and news from industry partners and other small business owners. We have partnered with many organizations and nonprofits to help support our community and give back to our supporters, and we continue to remind our community to shop local and support small business.
Q. Can you share a little about your background?
A. I’m originally from Oklahoma, moved away as a child and then moved back in 2015. I have always loved being involved in my community and in helping create happy moments. My husband, Mike, and I also own Waters Edge Winery in Moore, and appreciate the opportunity to bring new experiences to our guests and customers.
Q. What, not covered above, would you like to share about yourself/the business?
A. Our shop’s success reflects our customers’ successes; we love helping them plan celebrations that will create lasting memories. I’d also like to share a piece of advice for anyone planning a party: Find a theme or a couple decorations that excite you, then plan around those!
Ace Party Supplies & Showtime Concession has two stores, one at 200 SE 19th St. in Moore, the other at 7428 N. May Ave. in Oklahoma City. Both are open six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Find them on Facebook and Instagram. Phone: 405.895.9902.
We have partnered with many organizations and nonprofits to help support our community and give back to our supporters, and we continue to remind our community to shop local and support small business.
ACE stands for 'Always Celebrate Everything,' and I believe there is always something to celebrate!