Gardendale Elementary to host fair on Oct. 12

Published 4:20 pm Monday, October 8, 2007

By Ashley McCleery

The North Jefferson News



With carnival rides, food, candy, games, inflatable activities, pony rides and various booths, Gardendale Elementary School is recreating the atmosphere of an old county fair on Oct. 12 at the Gardendale Civic Center from 5-9 p.m.

Although this is the fourth year the school has hosted a fall festival, it’s only the second year to be held at the civic center, which Parent Teacher Association (PTA) president Ruth Marinakis said was a major component of the festival’s growth last year.

“Last year was the first time at the civic center, and I had so many people come up to us and tell us how much fun it was,” she said. “Looking down from the hill and seeing all the lights, it looks like an old county fair. It’s awesome.”

In the past four years, the festival has raised more money for Gardendale Elementary School than any other fundraiser, funding several projects such as the school playground and gym.

According to carnival co-chair Shelby Haygood, the festival raised over $20,000 last year, and she said she hopes the festival will match last year’s amount. The money raised this year will go directly to the new media library center that is currently under construction.

Since last year’s carnival was successful, the PTA decided to expand the event with seven new rides, more inflatable activities, new booths and more entertainment. Marinakis speculated that the new glow-in-the-dark booth, which will contain jewelry that lights up in the dark, and the crazy hair booth, sponsored by Generations hair salon, would be a hit with the kids.

But Haygood said the booths that each class decorates are always a highlight. “I love to see how creative classes are in decorating their booths,” Haygood said. “Each year, classes out-do each other and make normal booths look extraordinary in order to win $100 for their classroom.”

In addition to rides and booths, community organizations such as the Rockin’ Rockets, Beverly Dance, Bragg cheerleaders and Morris park cheerleaders will perform throughout the evening. “It’s a great way for kids to have time on stage, and the parents love it, too,” Haygood said.

As the festival approaches, Marinakis said she’s becoming more anxious about the event. “I’m excited because the air is getting crisp, so it’s a perfect time for a carnival,” she said. “Come out- it’s a great way to raise money for the school and spend a fun night with the family.”