What Are Human Fruit Machines And How Do You Create One For Your Summer Fete?

Anybody who has ever had the pleasure (or misfortune) of finding themselves on a PTA or organising the local village fete will know exactly how hard it is to keep coming up with fun and creative ways to get customers to part with their money.

Who among us hasn’t begged ChatGPT for new, but very easy, ideas to raise much-needed funds to improve the playground or raise money for a cash-strapped charity? Well, I’m here with your next great idea – you can thank me later!

It’s called the Human Fruit Machine, and it really is as much fun as it sounds. It also requires minimal set-up, costs very little to run, and can be a big earner on the day.

So, without further ado, let me tell you how the whole process works and why you won’t regret giving it a go at your next event.

The Human Fruit Machine – What Is It?

Based on the original three-reel fruit machine, the kind you can find at FruitySlots.com, this is the low-key ‘everyone’s a winner’ version that is perfect for your event or party.

Instead of spinning columns inside a machine, people act as the “reels.” Each volunteer has a small selection of toys, fruits, or plushies in front of them, and when a player “pulls the lever,” or presses a buzzer, the human reels spin around or shuffle their props before revealing their choice.

If the fruits match, the player wins a prize. This game is easy to set up, needs little equipment, and is a great way to get both children and adults involved.

The best way to play is with three spins per go, with the humans agreeing on one of the rounds to pick the same fruit, ensuring that everybody who plays win and nobody leaves disappointed.

The Step-By-Step Guide

Now that you know how the game works, if you want to try it for yourself, here is the step-by-step guide:

Decide on your Props: You can pick actual fruit – think bananas, lemons, and apples or print pictures of different fruits, if that’s easier. Attach each one to a stick or card so they can be easily held up. Each “reel” should have the same set of fruit options.

Set Up the Booth: Arrange a table or backdrop for the three volunteers to stand behind. This creates the illusion of a slot machine front.

If you want a more elaborate set-up, find somebody who is handy with a bit of plywood and create a front-facing fake slot machine, designed with three columns and painted in bright colours.

Assign Roles: Each volunteer stands behind the booth and becomes one “reel.” They hold their set of fruit cards, hidden from the player’s view.

Create a Lever: If you want to add a lever, attach a stick to the front of the booth for players to pull. This signals the “reels” to start spinning. Alternatively, you can place a small table in front of the machine with a buzzer that the player pushes to ‘activate’ the reels.

Explain the Rules: When a player steps up, they pull the lever or say “go.” The three volunteers shuffle their fruit cards behind the booth, then reveal one card each at the same time.

Award Prizes: If all three fruits match, ring a bell or sound a buzzer, and give the player a prize. If not, thank them for playing and encourage them to try again.

Prizes and Rewards

The prizes you offer will completely depend on the kind of event you are running. If it’s a school event, then the prizes don’t need to be expensive. Small sweets, stickers, or novelty toys work well.

For bigger fetes, you could offer a special prize for anyone who gets three of the same rare fruit, such as three pineapples. You can also offer consolation prizes, like a sticker or a sweet, for everyone who plays.

If it’s a work function or a company family day, then you can offer more generous prizes depending on your budget. This encourages more people to have a go and keeps the atmosphere positive.

Why It Works

I love playing online slots as much as the next person, but I have also struggled to come up with fun, low-cost fundraising ideas, and this is the perfect combination of both. The human fruit machine is accessible, affordable, and brings people together.

It doesn’t rely on technology or special skills, just a sense of humour and a willingness to join in. The game can be adapted to suit any theme, and the rules are easy for everyone to understand.

Excitement comes from the anticipation as the human reels prepare to reveal their choices, and if the prizes are good enough, people will be lining up to part with their money for a chance to win, boosting your fundraising efforts.

The human fruit machine is a simple, enjoyable game that adds a unique twist to traditional summer events. With a little preparation and some enthusiastic volunteers, you can create a highlight for your school fair or village fete that will have everyone smiling.