Author: Kevin Wieging
This is the year for celebration of 250 years of America (1776-2026) and a 4th of July Holiday that falls conveniently on the weekend. More patriotic themed units have been produced this year for an increased demand, but how exactly do you get more income from upcoming “Red, White, and Blue Themed” events. And more importantly, is your business ready to add additional units that are more focused on rental for a specific Holiday or special theme or licensed character?
Let’s start with your start up inventory, the everyday rentals and items that are leading revenue rentals. What are they? Do you have items that are moving consistently and can you evaluate the income generated from basic combo and bounce house units, wet and/or dry slides, slip and slides, obstacle courses, or interactive type units? It is important to consider adding items that are in demand. And, in regards to a specific them or holiday unit, how many rental opportunities will you have for that item?
The downside to adding any holiday units is a limited demand when related to Christmas, Halloween, or Thanksgiving but the patriotic opportunities do open up summer with Memorial Day (May), 4th of July, and then wrap up with Labor Day in September. In 2026 with a larger emphasis on the 250-year milestone, more general opportunities would also be more frequently adapted throughout the summer. In talking with Inflatable manufacturers, Big & Bright Inflatables developed a “Red, White, & Cool” bomb pop themed unit for a general summer vibe!
“Red, White, & Cool” is still a patriotic feel but a spin on a general “Bomb Pop” summer theme. Debuting at the end of 2024, demand has been great for sales of that theme and include Bounce Combos, Slides, Obstacle Courses, and Slip and Slide type units. Getting your hands on any prior to July 4th 2026 would probably not happen! Arrival of NEW units could be expected around the time of Independence Day for a quick turn-around in shipping to you. Big & Bright Inflatables (Texas) currently has several pre-orders for the “Red White & Cool” pending and that’s seems to be the most reliable option to get your hands on one, but you can reference their website for in stock units like the Red White and Cool Popsicle bounce house for $2,095.00.
We were also able to discuss demand with Tim Woodruff of Leisure Activities Inflatables (Florida) and new stock units were just arriving and pre-orders being shipped as we discussed the increase of demand for USA themed units. In the South, waterslides are a MUST RENT unit with 16’ to 18’ slide units popular with small businesses because of easier solo set up but larger 19’-22’+ tall slides also getting attention but requiring a little more coordination of staff. Despite the published weight, water slides do get heavier when returning to pick up a soaked unit. (Red, White, and sore back should be preventable in staffing!)
Woodruff also mentioned several “Patriotic USA Arches” for higher impact themed entry into your inflatable area created for corporate events or community celebrations. Again, this suggestion is going to depend upon your current inventory and types of clients you are currently booking business with. In celebrating 250 years, this would be the year to consider an USA Arch and ROI should be planned to be obtained quickly! Web pricing for the USA arch was indicated at $2,729.00.
INVESTMENT & ROI. Final consideration, can you afford NEW units? Expansion of inventory should be planned. Betting on the USA isn’t a bad idea in 2026! In considering all the major holidays to jump into and start offering the more specific themes, PATRIOTIC makes sense. This must be followed by marketing and more supply and demand-based pricing. Investing in a specific themed unit should bring a more rapid ROI if priced correctly!
“God Bless the USA!” with making the decision to purchase, use your social media, website, and connections with existing customers. Encourage early reservations as Holidays do book in advance and all businesses should be thriving on Independence Day weekends. Both 2026 and 2027 will occupy weekend dates and possibly extend to include three day weekends based on work schedules of companies extending Friday or Monday for the HR Holiday.
Speaking of Marketing. To be honest about marketing and research for article information, I was drawn to sources of information through social media posts and websites from IOA member manufacturers. We do give the most patriotic web banner advertisement to Hullaballoo Inflatables (California) and noted on their website a small 15’ Blazin USA Waterslide with June stock at only $1299. This gets you IN the patriotic game!!
