Do you know how to warp from world to world in Super Mario Bros? How to get Walugi’s outfit onto Mario in Paper Mario? How to get more carnival cards in Mario Party 8? We do! We’re a little bit obsessed and we’re always happy to share our tips and tricks with our customers – especially if it’s Mario related. Everyone knows who he is, even if you’ve never picked up a controller in your life – you still know the tale of those silly plumber brothers and that pesky princess who is always getting herself kidnapped.

In May we celebrate everything video games so we had to throw a party honoring one of the original and most recognizable gaming characters of all time with a Mario Party! Our community room was transformed into an 8-bit paradise for our community to enjoy an array of activities for the party. Before we even opened the doors a line of about 30 people crowded around our Community Room doors trying to get a peek at all of the décor and games. We explained the variety of fun they could partake in and let them go at it!

Bowser was at it again and had kidnapped Princess Peach – each child had to find one of the hidden Peach cutouts that were hidden throughout the store, rescue it and bring it back our resident Ms. Mario party host to receive a special mystery block that contained their first gold coin of the day. Next Mario Kart for the Gamecube was set up for free play, those who raced at least one lap received yet another gold coin and a special super star toy or one up mushroom eraser. Nobody passed up the chance to work on a make-your-own-mustache craft where they decorated their own 'stache cutout and glued it onto a stick for an easy classy mustache option. The kids had a blast at our Super Mario photo booth where they stood atop a stool but just by doing so, transported into the game and in every picture; it looks like they are entering/exiting that famous green sewer pipe. Attendees enjoyed super tasty red and green cupcakes that looked like mushrooms and downed it with some special Fire Flower Punch.

Our customers had a great time, as did we! We are grateful for everyone who came out to celebrate our love of video games and hope that we can create an even better Mario Party next May!

Find us on Flickr for more fun photos of this event.