The concept of an entertainment rental company was first thought of in October 1995 by Chuck Rice and Dave Kinzinger. At the time, Chuck and his wife Lisa owned and operated an independent family fun center in Peoria, Illinois called Absolute Fun. It was a cross between a Discovery Zone and a Chucky Cheese's Pizza Place. When Absolute Fun was in its planning stages in 1993, Dave was contacted through his amusement company, K.A.T. Amusements, to provide equipment such as Skee-Balls, Kiddie Rides and other electronic game for the kids to play. Over the course of two years as business acquaintances, Chuck and Dave had many discussions about the types of phone calls each received in regards to his respectful business. It was discovered that each of them were getting inquiries for moonwalks or dunk tanks available for private parties.
After researching the feasibility of starting a company specializing in the rental of interactive inflatables, it was determined that there was sufficient opportunity to make such a venture work. On April 1, 1996, Fun on the Run, Inc. was born. Co-owned by Chuck and Dave, its mission statement was to provide "Fun-Time" rental equipment for all ages. The purpose was to provide entertainment by delivering, setting up and staffing attractions at the customer's location during corporate functions, private parties, school or church events, or private backyard parties.
Although it was a late start getting rentals booked for the Summer of 1996, the response was better than could have been imagined. Working with local entities such as Caterpillar, City of Peoria, Peoria Park District, CEFCU, St. Francis, and many others, Fun on the Run's reputation spread quickly as a company that could provide quality family entertainment at a reasonable price. By the end of 1996, Fun on the Run was known as the company to rent specialty attractions.
With the addition of new attractions in January 1997, Fun on the Run was ready to commit itself to providing unique and entertaining rental services to anyone interested. Experiencing state-wide exposure from its appearance at the State of Illinois High School boys basketball tournament, calls were being received daily for services pertaining to high school post-graduation and post-prom lock-ins. This resulted in the purchase of even more equipment to handle the requests for its rental services. In the spring of 1997, it was announced that Chuck would be moving out of state due to Absolute Fun closing a few months earlier. In the summer of 1997, Dave took over full ownership and control of Fun on the Run. While the rest of 1997 was great for business, a new direction was being determined for Fun on the Run.
In the Fall of 1997, Fun on the Run approached representatives of the Illinois High School Association to begin talks on the design and construction of an attraction for the annual March Madness Basketball Experience, held in conjunction with the boys state basketball tournament each March. The result was the Giant Inflatable Obstacle Course. Measuring 70 feet in length, it was custom made for Fun on the Run in England by P & L Inflatables. Featuring a maze wall, internal slides with rope ladders, biffers and baffers coming up from the floor, a tunnel wall and squeeze wall, this attraction provides many unique and challenging aspects all through its course. With its floor colored to look like a parquet basketball court and a basketball-theme exercise involving two participants to carry a basketball with them as they make their way head to head throughout the inflatable to the end where they have to dunk the ball in a rim, this was one of the most attended displays during the two-week event. Constructed with safety in mind, the front and back walls are solid except for netted windows to allow spectators to view participants while they are making their way through the inflatable. The entire roof is screened to prevent anyone from climbing out or unwanted objects from entering. Weighing approximately 1600 lbs., this is one inflatable that should not blow away or be tipped over if used properly.
While the obstacle course was a huge success at the state tournament, its display on CNN and Fox Sports Chicago provided Fun on the Run exposure around the Midwest that could only be dreamed about. The result was a tremendous increase in school and church related rentals ranging from graduation and prom lock-ins to youth rallies.
Over the course of the next several months, Fun on the Run has continually acquired attractions that meet the needs and desires of potential customers. With the increase of attractions to warehouse, it was determined in the fall of 1998 to start looking for a larger location to store and maintain the inflatables. Finally, in February 1999, a new location was found. Now known as the "FUNHOUSE", this former Brinks Armored Car facility located at 721 NE Adams Street in Peoria provided adequate space to both store and inflate most attractions inside. This allows the constant maintenance needed to be performed inside and year round. Although the building had been vacant for almost three years, cleanup and complete restoration was completed in less than six months.