Fall carnival season is here, and several local schools and churches have events on their calendars.

Gardendale Elementary School is hosting its fall carnival Friday, 5-9 p.m., at the Gardendale Civic Center.

The event is the PTA’s largest annual fundraiser. Last year’s carnival brought in about $20,000. All proceeds benefit the school.

Shelby Haygood of the PTA said the group has not yet decided what this year’s carnival proceeds will be used for.

“All of it goes back to the school to take care of whatever needs arise,” she said. Last year, funds were used to buy a new fence around the school playground.

She said 2,000 to 4,000 people attend the carnival every year.

Each class will have a booth at the carnival. The most creative booth earns $100 for their classroom.

In addition, each grade will have a basket full of goods to be auctioned. There will also be footballs signed by the University of Alabama’s Nick Saban and Auburn University’s Gene Chizik.

Besides games, food and other booths, there will be activities inside the civic center, including a dance party with a DJ, a glow-in-the-dark store and a sweet shop.

There will also be local entertainment, football teams and cheerleaders at the carnival.

Armbands are $30 for unlimited rides and games. Tickets are 50 cents each and must be purchased for food.

Mt. Olive Elementary School will have its fall carnival on Oct. 26, 5-8 p.m. at the school.

PTA president Jenny Franks said all proceeds will be used for technology needs in classrooms. Last year’s festival raised about $7,000.

Mt. Olive’s event will feature a general store, carnival games, inflatables, rides, a petting farm, a hay ride and concessions. The Mt. Olive Fire Department will also have a fire truck there.

Tickets for the Mt. Olive carnival are 50 cents each and can be purchased at the door. Students can also buy them in advance at school.

Tickets will be used for everything except a few food vendors and other vendors.