Ignite the Night Garden of Wings

presented by

Ignite the Night is presented by Taylor

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Welcome to an awe-inspiring event where adults come together to unleash their imagination and craftsmanship through PLAY! Sparking their inner child, teams of 6 will use an array of loose parts to design and build extraordinary sculptures. Spectators are invited to witness their craft firsthand, cheering them on as they bring their visions to life. With interactive experiences, themed challenges, and opportunities for collaboration, this event promises to ignite creativity and foster teamwork like never before. 

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Agenda

5:00pm

Team Arrival

5:30-6:30pm

Cocktail Hour
serving light apps

6:45-8pm

Show

8-8:30pm

Judging and a performance by BellaTerra’s Fire Dancers

8:30pm

Announcement of Winners

8:45pm

Free Play

Attention all creative and crafty minds!

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

Cost: $1500/team | 12 teams max

Join us for an exhilarating event where twelve teams of six adults will ignite their imagination and craftsmanship through PLAY! Spark your inner child as you collaborate with your teammates to design and build extraordinary sculptures using an array of loose parts.

  • Teams Consist of 6 Players

    Teams will be formed prior to the event. As teams open their box of loose parts, they'll uncover a surprise array of materials to work with. Provided a theme, teams will have 60 minutes to create their own sculpture inspired by the theme, adding an exciting twist to their design process.

  • Access to Basic Tools

    But that's not all! Teams will have access to a set of basic tools including scissors, glue guns, tape, hammers, and nails. Plus, the more funds your team raises, the more luxurious items or expert assistance you'll have access to—think power tools and professional guidance!

  • "Pay to Pause"

    For those who thrive on competition, we offer the option to "Pay to Pause" a team. For just $100, a team or individual can Pay to Pause a competitor for 5 minutes, with a maximum pause time of 15 minutes per team (no pausing allowed in the last 15 minutes). This adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the event!

  • Awards

    There will be judges and awards for exceptional achievements, including "Judges' Choice" 1st, 2nd, 3rd, "People's Choice," and "Top Fundraiser"

  • Fundraise

    As part of the event, we’re offering an optional fundraising challenge* that lets you make an even bigger impact. By choosing to participate, your team can raise funds to support the Museum – and compete to be the Top Fundraiser of the Night! Fundraising will primarily happen before the event. *Fundraising is entirely optional – if you’d rather focus on the main event activities, that’s perfectly fine.

Gather your friends and colleagues as we showcase our ingenuity and camaraderie in action for a great cause!

Light apps included. Cash bar.

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Space is limited – get your tickets before they sell out!

GET YOUR TICKET

Cost: $100/each

  • Watch the Action

    Spectators are invited to witness the teams craft their sculptures firsthand, cheering them on as they bring their visions to life.

  • Games & Activities

    Participate in fun games and activities while the teams build their creation.

  • Eat & Drink

    Light apps included and there will be a cash bar where you can purchase drinks.

  • Vote for People’s Choice

    As a spectator, you won’t just be watching – you’ll have the power to decide who takes home the coveted People’s Choice Award! As you explore all of the amazing team creations, you’ll get the chance to vote for your favorite. The best part? $1 = 1 vote! So, every dollar you donate goes straight toward supported the Children’s Museum!

Tickets

Become a Sponsor

Welcome to an extraordinary opportunity to support creativity and teamwork!

We invite your business to be a sponsor of our exciting new fundraising event, promising excellent visibility and engagement with over 200 participants and spectators in a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere. In addition to brand exposure, several sponsorship levels include complimentary tickets to join in the fun either as a spectator or team! Enjoy music, food, and entertainment as you watch the teams build extraordinary (or not) sculptures. Join us in making this unforgettable event possible while showcasing your commitment to the community—become a sponsor today!

Sponsorship Levels

Presenting “IGNITE” Sponsor | $10,000

  • VIP Lounge for 20 OR a complimentary team with 10 tickets
  • Drink tickets, VIP beverage service, appetizers
  • Largest logo on all marketing: electronic program, signage, promotional media
  • Logo on Children’s Museum website & Facebook
  • On-air recognition with our on air and media sponsors
  • Event recognition throughout the program
  • Premier event signage in multiple locations
  • Signature drink named after company
  • Corporate Partner Membership valued at $5,000
  • Opportunity to speak at the event

“FLAME” Sponsor | $5,000

  • Access to the VIP Lounge for 10 OR one complimentary team
  • Drink tickets, VIP beverage service, appetizers
  • Logo on marketing: electronic program, signage, promotional media
  • Logo on Children’s Museum’s website & Facebook
  • Corporate Partner Membership valued at $1,000
  • Event recognition

“SPARK” Sponsor | $2,500

  • 8 complimentary tickets to the event
  • Drink tickets + VIP beverage service, appetizers
  • Logo on marketing: electronic program, signage, promotional media
  • Logo on Children’s Museum’s website & Facebook
  • Event recognition

“EMBER” Sponsor | $500

  • 4 complimentary tickets to event
  • Logo on marketing: electronic program, signage, promotional media
  • Logo on website

“Kindling” Sponsor | $160

  • Monetary donation towards sponsoring a Membership for a family experiencing barriers to Play. 
  • Can’t make it? You can still make an impact.
  • Electronic program and social media recognition

Team Registration | $1,500

  • Team of 6 adults includes ticket to the event.
  • Drink tickets and appetizers
  • Logo/team name on marketing: electronic program, signage, promotional media
  • Logo/team name on Children’s Museum’s website & Facebook
  • Event recognition
  • Event shirt
  • Fundraising tool-kit provided

Event Partner | Varies

  • In-Kind support of the event
Become a Sponsor

2024 Award Winners

Judges Choice 1

Brennan Companies

Top Fundraiser

Exclusively Diamonds

Judges Choice 2

Schwickert's

Judges Choice 3 & People's Choice

Kiwanis Holiday Lights

Thank you all that were involved!

Committee

Back Row: Jamie Jacobs (chair), APX Construction Group Jessica Wolfe, Taylor Corporation Carrie Kijenski, Goodtimes Manufacturing Sue Schwickert Becky Wagner, West Bank Front Row: Courtney Malone, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Crystal Olson, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Christi Wilking, Mayo Clinic Health System Jenna Worrell, Taylor Corporation Nicole Bardon, Hatanpa Insurance Agency Jaci Sprague, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Not Pictured: Josh Mazur, Mankato Clinic Jenny Benzel, Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union

Judges

Heidi Boyum Sarah Richards, Jones Metal, Inc. Sue Schwickert Charlie Liftridge, Carnegie Art Center Supt. Paul Peterson, Mankato Area Public Schools

Ignite the Night 2025 Garden of Wings Sponsors

Ignite

Sponsor

Flame

Sponsors

KEYC News Now, Corporate Partner of the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
WEB Construction

Spark

Sponsors

Ember

Sponsors

Abdo
FMJ
Gislason & Hunter
Hatanpa Insurance Agency
Knutson Construction, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Mankato Corporate Partner
United Prairie Bank

BEVERAGE

Sponsors

NAI North Star
Northwestern Mutual Wealth Managemet

RED CARPET

Sponsor

Fidium, Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota Mankato Corporate Partner

GARDEN OF

GRATITUDE

Synergy Home Care

January 24, 2025, 10:00am:

The Museum will be closed Friday, July 4.

We will reopen Saturday, July 5.

Continue

The Museum will be closed on Thursday, October 2 to prepare for Ignite the Night

Learn more and get your tickets here!

Got it!