Annual Bloomfield PTO spring carnival offers fun for a good cause

If you're looking for something fun to do with your children tonight, stop by the Bloomfield Junior High gym.

The Bloomfield PTO is sponsoring its annual spring carnival from 6-8 p.m.

It will feature lots of games, prizes, and food -- including Happy Matt's famous barbecue.

And as your children are having fun playing games, keep in mind that the money you're spending is going for a good cause.

The event is the PTO's major fundraiser of the year. Money raised will go to help teachers and students in the Bloomfield School District.

"This is an annual thing the PTO tries to do to raise funds," PTO Treasurer Jancie Barker said.

"What it does is, it helps teachers and students. Teachers, we can give them money to help purchase things for the classroom. And sometimes we help students, give them money for field trips. ... This helps us make money so we can help out the school."

Barker added that teachers are thankful for the help.

"They appreciate the fact that we're willing to help them out," Barker said. "I know they've bought books for the classrooms, some things for math. They appreciate it because they might not have had funds available for them."

Barker said the games are geared more toward elementary students, though students of all ages are welcome to attend.

"We do have games that pre-kindergarten kids can play," Barker explained. "We also have a basketball free throw thing. But traditionally it seems like more elementary kids (show up)."

Students will earn tickets for each game they play, and then they can redeem their tickets for prizes.

Other activities include:

* The Speech Club will have concessions available, and you can also purchase some Happy Matt's Barbecue.

* Face painting will be available through the Art Club.

* There will be a silent auction.

Barker said the event has been ongoing for several years.

"We've had the carnival on and off for several years. It used to be in the fall, but we moved it to the spring," Barker explained.

"It seemed like everything happened at once in the fall. We tried to pick a date that was between the winter and spring sports seasons. It's kind of a down time."

Barker, who also serves as the extra-curricular activities treasurer at the high school, said the PTO doesn't set a monetary goal for each carnival.

"We just try to get as many kids in there as we can," she said. "This is our biggest money-maker we do.

"Everyone is welcome. They don't have to go to Bloomfield school or live in the district."

Chris is the general manager/editor of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by email at cpruett79@gmail.com or by telephone at 847-4487.