Know Your Neighbor

April Thurston has a passion for planning

April Thurston and why she loves party planning.

April Thurston is originally from Foreman, Arkansas, but has been a part of this community for many years. She and her husband, Curtis, have raised their daughters and now get to enjoy time with their grandchildren. April always enjoyed planning her daughters’ parties when they were kids, and now enjoys planning her grandchildren’s parties. She loves every task and detail that goes into creating an event.

“If I am having a bad day, I can look at party supplies work on event planning and it is like a breath of fresh air,” April said. “I could do it for hours. I truly feel joy.”

In 2013 she started working at Watersprings Ranch, a long-term residential group home for children in need who have been abused, neglected and abandoned. She bagan as an administrative assistant and eventually became office manager. April surprised the children at the ranch with a big party.

“I wanted to have a beautiful party for them. These kids come from homes of abuse or neglect,” she said, “I just wanted to do something special for them.”

April loved working on every detail of the party from balloons to food. She put her heart into every detail. When she saw the expressions from the kids, she knew that this is what she wanted to do with her life.

“I knew I could do this,” she said. “I knew this is my destiny.” April puts a lot of work into creating the best experience for her clients, but it doesn’t seem like work to her. “It is the best feeling. … I love it so much down to the fine little details,” she said.

She also works hand in hand with other locally-owned businesses in the community to bring a better experience for her clients. No matter the gathering, April loves to plan them all. “Birthday parties for kids or adults, retirement parties, Christmas or Thanksgiving. I have even coordinated seminars, conferences and baby showers. Just last year, I did my first wedding/vow renewal,” she said.

April has planned for affairs ranging from 35 to 100 guests with backdrops, centerpieces, table settings and more. April strives to show her passion in every event that she plans. She wants her clients and their guests to enjoy themselves. “When I did my daughters’ party, I did all the work, so I didn’t get to enjoy it with my family,” she said. “I want them to have a good time and not worry about the party set up or clean up.”

April said she is committed to giving her customers great events one party at a time.

Find her on Facebook by searching for April Showers.