About That Tricky Tray.. I Just Want To Say_Chapter 18 (OPEN)

Use This Blog To "Speak Your Mind" About A Tricky Tray or Anything Related To A Tricky Tray. Tell us about the Grand Prize You Just Won or How You Haven't Won A Thing 10 Tricky Trays Straight. Just Click On The comment link below and start typing away. However..no personal attacks will be tolerated .

Comments

Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Happy New Year !

Way over due for a new chapter....but most important
Time to Vote For the Best Tricky Tray of 2017.

Click on Link below to vote. 1 vote only. Don't jeapordize your vote by using various emails..they will match up by IP and all will be voided.

http://www.trickytray.com/vote2017.htm

Have a great year!

Mr. Tricky Tray
January 02, 2018 12:05 PM
Tony Capp said…
Is it just me, or does it seem there are fewer tricky trays this year? Last year I was attending 1 or 2 per week, and this year there are long stretches between events. Have they slowed down, or are people just not advertising them as much?
January 06, 2018 10:19 AM
Anonymous said…
January is always slow...they are starting to show up March to May the busy months and Sept to November...Keep checking TrickyTray.com...new events being posted daily.
February 01, 2018 1:21 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Tricky Tray Friends!! Question for you all - is there a "rule" that says you cannot have lottery scratch off tickets as a prize? I have heard various things on this topic but have seen these prizes at almost all of them. Just want to be sure we don't break any rules :-)
March 16, 2018 9:08 PM
NJCherryGirl said…
Hi Everyone! Its me Julie (NJCHERRYGIRL - Over the Rainbow, Triple Crown Tricky Tray) and I am back now organizing the Take Me Out to the Ballgame Tricky Tray happening on May 19, 2018. Its been a minute since I did my last one and wanted to see what has changed or improved over the last 2 years.

We will only have room for 200 guests, as it is being held at our high school and are shooting for 250 prizes to keep it fair and people feel like they have a chance. We will have enough volunteers selling tickets for different levels all around the room so there is no crowding at any one section. We have consecutive numbers of tickets and only one color for each level - including 50/50. I call quickly, no prize description or donated by - that is what the program is for and keep comments to a minimum. I think one short 5 - 10 minute break is sufficient and have volunteers walking around selling 50/50s in case you don't want to get up.
We will have other fun ways to win $$ & gift cards because we believe that is what people like best and regardless of where you come from you can always use a Visa type gift card.
What are some other suggestions or requests avid TTers have ?

Thanks in advance.

March 21, 2018 11:30 AM
Anonymous said…
Attended the Belleville Little League last night, & I must say a little unorganized. They ran out of value packs 5 min after we arrived. We arrived at 6 which that was when the doors opened. When you say your going to start in 5 min don’t take a half an hour when everyone was sitting already. If you’re going to call the numbers 3 times then throw out the number then say new number, pull a new number then the person for the previous number you called says.. that was my number you should not give them the prize ( that’s not fair). It was long & drawn out for no reason at all.
April 08, 2018 10:45 AM
Anonymous said…
I am curious why kids under 16 are not allowed to attend tricky trays. Is this a local PTA rule or a NJ legal rule? The kids are asked to donate money for the tricky tray per class but they can't attend. Seems a bit unfair.
April 10, 2018 12:25 PM
Melissa said…
What are some great themes for Tricky Trays you like? And what are the best prizes? Newbie here and want to make it the best night ever
April 26, 2018 12:23 PM
Tony Capp said…
A tricky tray is gambling, so under NJ State Law no one under 18 allowed. It's the same as a bingo hall. Many tricky trays do have lottery tickets, but they are not allowed under NJ gaming laws, since you cannot gamble on a chance to gamble. The gray area to get around the law is to have a lottery apron or hat, since the prize is the apron or the hat, and the lottery tickets just happen to be attached. If there are any alcohol bottles at the tricky tray they must have a sign stating the winner must be 21 or older. The state has been sending secret inspectors out quite a bit lately, and if you are in violation your license could be suspended.

I went to the Sussex Votech tricky tray last night (05/04/18) and I must say, it was not as smooth as it has been in the past. The prizes were great and the 1st level had many that were not the usual fair you see around. The problem stemmed from it being very overcrowded and extremely hot in the building. It was very difficult to drop tickets and move around. The callers were excellent and moved through gifts quickly, but the attendees were not helpful if they won. Many would just raise their hand and not make noise making it difficult to identify them and the runners were often confused about where to go. I'm not sure I will go back to the spring one here since it was very uncomfortable. The fall one is a must.
May 05, 2018 8:08 AM
Anonymous said…
I attended the "A Night at the Jersey Shore' tricky tray on June 28th at the Fiesta in Woodbridge. This was their first tricky tray and it will be the last one I will attend.

There was NO air conditioning in the room on a 90+ degree day, the prizes were mediocre at best. I won something for my daughter - a subscription - and they didn't include the code in my certificate so I could claim it. I tried following up with 2 different people at Family Concepts to try and claim my prize. I'm still waiting. I finally contacted the company directly who immediately gave me my magazine subscription and even extended it by another year.

I spent over $140 on tickets at this waste of time tricky tray and I don't even get the decency of a response after following up? I will not be returning.
July 03, 2018 7:59 AM
Anonymous said…
Question to the Tricky Tray people out there????
Have you ever had the attendees sign a media waiver in order to attend your event? Has any one ever been challenged or had issue with using pictures of the event on websites or in advertising?
July 24, 2018 12:36 PM
Anonymous said…
I have a question. I thought that altering the raffle/prize tickets was wrong. I heard that it was against the rules to write on, stick address label, fold, bend, or crinkle tickets. All forms of alterations to the ticket. I went to a tricky tray recently, their practice is to write numbers on the sheet entry ticket and give you a "paddle" with your number to raise. However, people who bought tickets then wrote the paddle number on the tickets, both sheet and roll. Using a ball point pen would put indentations of the ticket, like adding an address label would present a "ridge". Both actions would make the ticket feel "different". At this TT, 75% of the tickets drawn / prizes won went to "paddle numbers"/altered tickets. Is this methodology in compliance with the letter of and the spirit of the raffle/tricky tray license?
October 18, 2018 8:43 AM
Anonymous said…
Was this event in NJ?
December 30, 2018 2:11 PM
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
2018 is Over, But There Is One Last Thing To Do..
VOTE FOR BEST TRICKY TRAY OF 2018 !

www.trickytray.com/vote2018.htm


Wishing You All a fun & safe Tricky Tray Year !

Mr. Tricky Tray
January 02, 2019 4:48 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi...did you vote?
January 31, 2019 5:02 AM
Anonymous said…
St. Joseph Oradell tricky tray held on February 7, 2019 at the Rockleigh Country Club. Review: This is one of those events that occurs every year with a consistent crowd of 500 people. My friends and I go every other year and reserve a table of 8. (Every other year because it is insanely expensive. $70 for dinner and $190 for tickets.) Any less and you win nothing.)) This year seemed to be the worst. The ratio of prizes was completely off and MANY left with nothing after paying so much for tickets. To be a "good" tricky tray there should be at least 50 more prizes than people. Not the case this time. 500 people and 425 prizes. 75 people automatically leave with no prize. I happen to win 2 prizes which have a retail value of $200, so I broke even. This is a fundraiser, I get it, but we have no attachment to the school, therefore we are solely there to win prizes and make our money back. Sadly, my friends and I will not go to this event again. We will stick to the events that cost $25 and under and win the same caliber prizes as the ones here.
February 08, 2019 1:16 PM
Anonymous said…
Wow, I just saw the post about St. Joseph's Oradell and was saying the same thing to the gals I go to this event with. We also will not go again....and we had a table of 10!!! It is sad, this event used to have in excess of 500 prizes so everyone had a chance.
February 13, 2019 4:42 PM
KathyH said…
Only about 25 tickets left for the Friends of Somerset Regional Animal Shelter tricky tray on May 11th held at the VFW in Manville NJ. We will have around 400 prize baskets and our ticket prices are reasonable. I'd be happy to provide more info if anyone is interested. Tickets can be bought at www.fosras.com.
February 23, 2019 9:39 AM
Anonymous said…
I'm at the Mount Arlington tricky tray at Roxbury High School. Last year I swore I would not come back because the caller is just horrible. He thinks he is a comedian, but he's not. We don't come to be badly entertained, just call the numbers. Also they are using 2 different color tickets for the 50/50, which is illegal.
March 01, 2019 9:02 PM
Tony Capp said…
Funny, I just got home from the same MTA tricky tray in Roxbury. I was going to post about the 2 colors for the 50/50 and saw your post. It is against NJ gaming law to use 2 different tickets for a game of chance, and I find it annoying. I'm sure they do it hoping people will but more tickets to have some of each color. It's what I do. The caller is not terrible. He tries to entertain, and he's a volunteer. I wouldn't stop going because of him. Overall the group does a good job. These fundraisers are not easy. They had a great selection of prizes. I would give them a solid A for all the work they do. I will be back next year. Corny jokes and all. Just please use one color for your 50/50 tickets.
March 01, 2019 11:40 PM
Anonymous said…
Questions at large ???? (1)I have been seeing several TTs where they give the tickets out in advance, like value packs and/or bundles, sold in advance. Sometimes these people with the packets are allowed to drop their tickets the afternoon before the evening door opening. Is this allowed by license? (2) Also, I have been to a couple where the sponsors write #s on the back of the tickets and give the attendees a numbered paddle to raise when they win, attendees are also told to write their paddle number on any purchased tickets. I thought that was not allowed as it modifies/changes the tickets, like crinkling of folding does. You can feel ridges in the ticket if a ball point pen is used. I have also seen people putting address labels on tickets. I though all of those were non-compliant with the license. (3) three calls and "new number". If a number is called 3 times and no one responds, then that ticket is discarded and a new ticket pulled. Q- does the first ticket become invalid when the called says "new ticket" or when the numbers of the second ticket are started to be called? How about calling the names written on the tickets instead for the number?
March 14, 2019 1:02 PM
Pathman1 said…
We went to the Raritan St. Ann's tricky try and was extremely disappointed. They packed people in like rats just to make more money and they misrepresented the basket worth. The people were saying that a new person is running the event now and that is why it was such a failure. Most people were upset and said that they will not be coming back again. I have been going for awhile and it was a fun event, but not this year. The staff were nasty and the baskets were cheap and not worth the ticket prices. My advise to anyone who is thinking of going to the Raritan St. Ann's Tricky tray.....Don't and if you do, check the baskets before you buy your tickets.
April 07, 2019 10:04 AM
Never4get1188 said…
Hi my name is Tracey n I am trying to do a tricky tray for first time and could really use some help on how to do certain things..is anyone able to please help me with just questions i have??
May 07, 2019 5:03 PM
Anonymous said…
Times were incorrect for the Ramapo Ridge Middle School National Jr. Honor Society tricky tray June 7th.

It has been corrected on site.
Doors open 5:30 PM Drawing 6:30 PM
May 23, 2019 4:47 AM
Anonymous said…
Tricky Trays are hard work. It takes a lot of people and a lot of time to put one together. It takes a few events to get it right. So if a new group of volunteers take it over (like for a school) please give them time to get it perfect again. Some people have lots of tickets to check (we hope). But the minute the caller says we are calling another number and starts calling - the first ticket is void. Remember have fun. If you buy 100 tickets or 30 tickets, it is the luck of the draw, but you just have to be in it to win it ;-) Good Luck all. And since must Tricky Trays are for Charity - thank you for attending and for your support.
June 25, 2019 10:16 PM
Anonymous said…
Is anyone else tired of having to sit through a long bingo before a tricky tray? It would be nice for them to be separate events again.
July 27, 2019 11:54 PM
Anonymous said…
I’d like to hear comments from my fellow Tricky Tray addicts.......

You’re at a tricky tray with a 50/50. Prices are 1 ticket for $1, 6 tickets for $5 and 15 tickets for $10. Pretty fair, I’d say.

3/4 of the way thru the event, the lady running the show decides she wants to make more money. So, she “reduces” the price to 15 tickets for $5. Or, I should say, she just “reeled off” a random slew of tickets for $5.

What the????
October 13, 2019 10:51 PM
Anonymous said…
I went to Greenwood NY Lake American Legion yesterday. A number was called and I reaised my hand along with someone else. The runner went right over tot he other person and gave them the prize. I went up to the caller and asked to see what the number was and she said "It was the number the person had". Ok well I had it too so I would like to see the number. She said she didn't remember the number. The runners were not taking the called ticket and checking it against the ticket the person had. They started doing it after I said it, but she was clearly confused about that procedure and was just doing it to humor me. She was unapologetic, did not try to make it right and clearly didn't care, didn't even try to figure it out, just kept on going. If the gaming commission was there, there would have been an issue. I'm wondering if they even had permits for the event. The prize was a handmade baby blanket. The woman who made it came over to me and offered to make me another one if I would give my name and number to the caller Donna after the event. That was truly nice of her and I offered to pay for her to make a blanket. In the end I left without leaving my info.I won't be going to this event again. I know it's a charity function, but when you are taking people's money they work hard for, it is a serious issue.
October 27, 2019 8:03 AM
Tony Capp said…
I have noticed a lot of changes to tricky trays lately. First, there are so many in one area on the same day, which makes it difficult. Second, the prize quality at many tricky tray has dropped sharply. This could due to the fact that there are so many at one time businesses had to cut back on donations. I'm finding the ones that require an advance admittance purchase have better quality prizes because they are reinvesting the entry fee to buy high end gifts. I realize that to the organizers, this is a fundraiser, but they need to expect their attendees to not feel cheated. Third, I've noticed that ticket prices are getting too high. Organizer need to realize that lower prices will lead to more spending. Fourth, please stop placing those scam vacation packages as a grand prizes, or at least clearly mark that winner is required to spend at least $2500 or more to use the gift. They belong on the first level at best. Fifth, I'm noticing that many tricky trays are getting smaller crowds. Some of the ones I attend every year had many open seats. This could be a result of too many tricky trays, higher prices, or low quality gifts. Sixth is I've noticed many caller reluctant to call a new number after 3 calls. That drags the night out. If you cannot pay attention to claim your prize after 3 calls, too bad. I have a feeling tricky trays will fade away like they did back in the 80s.
November 19, 2019 9:42 AM
Anonymous said…
Today we were at St. Theodore in Port Murray. We have been tot his many times before. It started with the doors not being opened until the exact moment while we stood on line in below freezing temps.Once in, everything fine, prizes nice, prices high. Snack bar had soda and water $2, a sub cut into 1 inch slices were $3 a slice. When I said to the woman I thought the price of $3 was high for the piece of sandwich she stated "we are a church". Caller did a good job calling when she was calling. She needed multiple breaks, one lasted 25 minutes.When people complained she repeatedly said she didn't care if people liked it she was tired. With many people standing at the door, the last 10 or so tickets took forever to call. People were saying they didn't know if they can go through it again next year. I agree. Between the prices that were never high like this and the caller it was brutal.
December 07, 2019 8:26 PM
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
Voting For The Best Tricky Tray of 2019 is Open until 1/31/2020.

Let Your Voice Be Heard !

http://trickytray.com/vote2019.htm


Mr Tricky Tray
January 08, 2020 9:43 AM
Anonymous said…
Any thoughts on how to price a tricky tray that isn't also a dinner? The entrance would not include tea/coffee/dessert.
January 16, 2020 8:39 AM
Anonymous said…
Heads Up ! Jan 31st...Last Day To Vote For the Best Tricky Tray on trickytray.com
January 31, 2020 10:15 AM
Anonymous said…
Hi - wanted to respond relative to the comments about the St. Joe’s Tricky Tray in Oradell. Do you know if there were 500 people in attendance? I purchased my tickets -and a whole table at that- only 2 days before the event and my numbers were in the 300s. I felt the event had less people this year than previous years and there were prizes not published in the books - I did not feel the ratio was off, but I did not count bodies and prizes to know exactly.
February 27, 2020 8:32 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi - wanted to respond relative to the comments about the St. Joe’s Tricky Tray in Oradell. Do you know if there were 500 people in attendance? I purchased my tickets -and a whole table at that- only 2 days before the event and my numbers were in the 300s. I felt the event had less people this year than previous years and there were prizes not published in the books - I did not feel the ratio was off, but I did not count bodies and prizes to know exactly.
February 27, 2020 8:33 PM
Anonymous said…
Apologies- disregard my previous messages- I was referring to St Joes in 2020, not 2019. Sorry!
February 27, 2020 8:35 PM
Tony Capp said…
After such a long stretch without a tricky tray, I decided to try the Hopatcong outdoor tricky tray. Never again will I do such a thing. There is no way to tell which tickets are getting pulled, what prize they are one, or anything. Everyone is sitting in cars nowhere near where they are calling from. They don’t have any speakers or video to show anything. I had high hopes this would work. I’ve been here an hour and only a handful of people received a phone call they won something. Sad.
June 27, 2020 5:59 PM
Anonymous said…
I would like to know if the Oaktree Applegarth tricky tray in Monroe Twp NJ will still be held on August 7 at the Forsgate country club inside with dinner. I think too many people inside will be a danger of COVID 19 spreading.
July 31, 2020 2:08 PM
Mr. Tricky Tray said…
It's That Time Of Year !
2021 saw the return of Tricky Trays once again.

So Now It's Time To Vote For The Best Tricky Tray of 2021.
Voting Ends on Feb 1st !!

http://trickytray.com/vote2021.htm

Mr. Tricky Tray
January 07, 2022 4:24 PM
Anonymous said…
Is the 4-H Tricky Tray in Bridgewater a good one?
February 20, 2022 11:54 AM
Anonymous said…
We are running our first tricky tray. It is a beefsteak with a tricky tray. We have 170 people and 160 baskets. Approximately, how long will it take to call all of the baskets? We are trying to figure out how/when to start. We have about 100 level one, 35 level two, 25 level three, a lottery board and a 50/50. Any advice is appreciated.
February 20, 2022 5:46 PM
Anonymous said…
With another year behind us, also brings the Annual Vote for
"Best Tricky Tray of 2022" on TrickyTray.com

The 2022 Tricky Tray was back to being in "full swing" !
Vote and let your voice be heard which organization was #1

Voting is open through February 4, 2023.
Only 1 vote per person, attempts to vote more than once
will disqualify all votes from that person.

This year's voting is being hosted on SurveyPlanet's secure interface.
Spread the word.
Click on the link below to get started
https://s.surveyplanet.com/wv1lnw06

Thanks
Mr. Tricky Tray
January 27, 2023 11:52 AM
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