A whole lot of hard work and bit of clowning around got Tom and Sue Grassley where they are today. Some of the road was rough, but for the most part it has been one big party.
After graduating from Brigham Young University in 1978, the Grassleys decided they wanted to be in business for themselves. They noticed that no store in the area served all the needs of concessionaires. So in May 1981, Carnival Concessions opened its doors in Springville."I got my master's degree in 1978," Tom Grassley said, "but I knew I didn't want to do the tie-and-suit thing."
He got his wish. More often than not in the early days, Tom Grassley could be found selling concessions and Sue walking a parade route selling balloons or entertaining at a party.
When they first opened, a man came in, looked around the shop (which was rather sparse-looking then) and told Tom, "You won't last two months!" Tom asked him if he was from the Springville Welcoming Committee, and the man left.
"You have to have a good sense of humor when you're in this kind of business," said Tom Grassley. In the early days the business was mostly seasonal. But the Grassleys said that has changed. Their products and services are in demand year-round.
In 1986 the Grassleys built a 5,000-square-foot store and renamed the business Partyland.
"We called it Partyland because it more fully defined what our business offers," he said.
Partyland now supplies just about everything needed for a small party to a large city celebration. They sell paper supplies, banners, balloons, costume ac-ces-sories, novelties, stickers and more. They also rent out helium tanks and machines that make popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy.
"This time of year we do a lot of family reunions," Tom said. "We also do a lot of school fund-raising parties and county fairs."
In July 1988, the Orem Partyland was opened and in May 1991 the Grassleys opened their third store in Sandy.
Each store offers the newest trendy items (right now Troll dolls are a hot item), seasonal decorations, funny greeting cards, birthday, wedding, anniversary and baby shower needs, balloons and theme party ideas.
"People tell us how happy they are we are here and hope we never leave," Tom said. "The reason why is because we offer everything for a party or celebration under one roof. It makes it a lot easier for the customer planning a party. Besides that, we're a fun store."
The Grassleys haven't thought too much about future expansion. "Right now three stores are enough to keep us busy," Tom said. "In the future who knows what may happen."
The stores are at 565 N. Main, Springville; 39 W. Center, Orem; and 2081 E. 9400 South, Sandy; or call 489-7777.