Building on the massive success of last year’s PTO Carnival, the Event Center was packed, inside and out, with kids, parents, teachers and all kinds of ghosts and ghouls to kick off the fall Halloween season. The event, which is the PTO’s largest fundraiser of the year, brought in several thousand dollars for the organization. “We actually ran out of tickets for the event,” reported Melanie Coleman, “which is definitely an incredible problem to have!”
Despite the large attendance, which was believed to be the largest in the current form of the Carnival, the extended outdoor events and calm weather created a busy but not too crowded environment. “This has been a great event again,” said Coleman, “and this time it seems to be working. We are planning to continue the event the first week of October in the future.”
Not only is the event a great showcase for the creativity of the school’s teachers and administration, but the sponsors have been steadfast in supporting the fundraiser over the years – from when it was held at the school itself to today, on big. embodiment.
“It feels like everyone in the world is there!” said MAS director Sarah McIntyre. “They [the PTO] does a great job and it’s great to see so many people come out for it.” Indeed, from twenty minutes before the official opening of the Carnival until after it closed at 8:00, the Event center was buzzing with the joyful screams of children in full Halloween spirit and the joyful chatter of their parents . “The kids have such a good time,” McIntyre said. “It’s really just one of the events of the year to look forward to.”
Like all Halloween carnivals, the event was built around a mix of games of chance, games of skill and spooky attractions.
Once again, MAS teachers and local sponsors managed to create dozens of amazing activities and events to keep everyone busy until well after dark.
Inside the Event Center, parents and students were able to mingle against the warming breeze of Walking Tacos and other food and drinks while participating in a variety of games from pitch to face-shooting. While Halloween is still a few weeks away, a good percentage of attendees were already dressed in their Halloween costumes. Witches, superheroes, vampires and all sorts of costumed surprises filled the hall.
The indoor space of the Event Center was filled with games sponsored by Hess Lumber, Oxford Peaks Arts Council, Oneida Crisis Center, Mrs. Schow’s Frog Flinger sponsored by Ihler Sales, Mr. Grove’s Plinko sponsored by Hess Pumice, Ms. Allen’s Down a Clown sponsored by Ireland Bank, Ms. Waldron’s Jack O’ Lantern Shoot Down sponsored by Gym, Mrs. Bagley’s Put-Put Pumpkin sponsored by Brower Law and Malad Mama, Mrs. Spinner Board. T Jones sponsored by Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital and Mrs. Lucky Ducks. Weeks sponsored by Malad City and HBC.
Food was provided by Iron Door Smokehouse sponsored by Heidi and Jason Kimberling, Melanie and Brad Coleman, Pat and Kallie Werk Ranch, Wittman Farms and Jeremy and Laura DeJong.
The move to the Events Center has allowed the Carnival to expand in scope from its previous confines at the elementary school. Mini Madness, for example, provided mini-horse wagon rides around the perimeter of the fairgrounds, while the outdoor area allowed for a large cookie walk to take place throughout the evening. The Spook House also saw constant traffic, with some emerging from the smoky darkness intact, and others exiting screaming. A selfie spot was made available and stayed busy throughout the evening as families gathered to document their seasonal group photos.
One of the recent additions to the carnival was the large safety tape maze that kept the kids in giggling circles in the show arena area of the fairgrounds. The maze was sponsored by the PTO and Horsley Funeral Home, who designed it this year closer to the other events than last year’s hay maze. “It’s kind of a little kid,” Melanie Coleman said. “It was wonderful!”
The outdoor space available at the Fairgrounds allowed for some very popular events, including: Ms. Crossley’s Pick-A-Pop sponsored by Mountain Valley Realty, Ms. Hawkes’ Pick Your Prize sponsored by J Peak Propane, Ms. Ipsen’s Fishing Pond sponsored by ATC, Ms. Ball’s Pick Your Lock sponsored by Studio A Dance, Ms. Reiss’s Clown Bean Bag Toss sponsored by Ireland Bank. Ms. L. Jones’ Bubble Gum Toss sponsored by Last Mile Wireless, Mrs. Brown’s Token Toss sponsored by Mountain States Insurance, Ms. Blaisdell’s Luc “Key” sponsored by Defend Pest and Lawn and Oenida County Library Spook Alley sponsored by Brittany Donnan and Family Mini Carriage Ride sponsored by Mini Madness Mrs. Langston’s Ring Toss sponsored by Thomas Market, Idaho Real Estate Group and Tiny Tots Daycare and Preschool, The Cookie Walk sponsored by Lofthouse, Wittman Farms, Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital and the Maze sponsored by the PTO.
The PTO hosts a number of fundraising events throughout the year, although this is by far the biggest and most important event of the year. Funds raised by the PTO are used throughout the year to support and sponsor a variety of student activities and programs. The PTO is always grateful for community support, especially for large events like this. “We always appreciate the support and I want to thank the people who made this the biggest yet!” Coleman said.
