Suburban Party Characters Add Pizzazz To Birthday Car Parades

OAK FOREST, IL — If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your kid’s birthday party, why not invite Spiderman, Buzz Lightyear or a Disney Princess? Suburban Party Characters is offering social distancing character parades.

Since 2014, Suburban Party Characters has been making birthday parties memorable for kids of all ages. With social distancing requirements canceling kids’ birthday parties due to the coronavirus pandemic, owner Efren Villagomez seized on having his characters appear in birthday car parades.

“Business has tapered off because of the virus. Nobody is having parties, and we had to cancel some,” Villagomez said. “When everything gets back to normal, we’re hoping business will pick up again.”

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Villagomez offers 15 characters, from the classic Mickey and Minnie Mouse, to more contemporary characters such as Woody from “Toy Story,” Belle and the Beast, Batman and Storm Troopers. Characters can walk alongside, ride in cars, or bring up the rear of the parade.

“If they can fit, characters can ride, but some mascots are too big,” Villagomez said. “Characters will stay outside with the kids while observing social distancing.”

Suburban Party Characters started offering Elmo and quickly added Mickey Mouse and Sponge Bob, with costumes that Villagomez bought online. He uses a company outside the United States that produces high quality mascot costumes that cost several thousand dollars. His stable of costumed performers are available for parties, events, parades and character nights at Windy City Thunderbolt games. He employs six performers, but he’s always on the lookout for new talent.

“I look for someone who is outgoing and knows the character. They have to be selfless and want to bring joy to kids,” Villagomez said. “I surround myself with people who are good at their characters and know how to be who they’re dressed up to be.”

Villagomez says no matter how down he feels, when he puts on the big Woody or Iron Man costume and sees kids’ faces light up, he doesn’t feel sad anymore.

“You get lost in their happiness,” Villagomez said. “You forget how you’re feeling.”

Suburban Party Characters has won rave reviews from clients:

“They bring the fun! Our family uses them for all of our children's events ! You will not be disappointed!”

“I can’t say enough good things about them, we were at the Thunderbolts game in Crestwood last night, and they were all so amazing with all of the kids. Never broke character, always friendly. Made my son’s dream come true by meeting all his favorites.”

“They were amazing! on time! Professional! Great with the kids!! We had both Elmo and Captain America and I would recommend them anytime! Their costumes were great!!”

In addition to in-person visits from characters, Suburban Party Characters also offers prerecorded video chats and virtual visits with kids and their favorite characters. The day Patch talked to Villagomez, he had just finished a virtual chat dressed as Buzz Lightyear with a 3-year-old boy.

Suburban Party Characters is based in Oak Forest but will travel throughout the south suburbs to appear at parties and events. To book a character, call or text 708-415-0641, or send a message via the company’s Facebook page.

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