Although for many people the beginning of October may seem early for a Halloween event, the PTO Carnival has become a highly anticipated sign of the season as Fall well and truly kicks in.  The Carnival is the PTO’s largest fundraiser of the year, and brings in hundreds to enjoy a wide variety of fun, games, and Halloween thrills.  The crowd this year was perhaps larger than ever, and once again led to a huge success for the organization responsible for many events throughout the year. 

The event was once again held at the Event Center, which allowed for both indoor games and eating areas, as well as the fairgrounds.  The extra space turned out to be essential, as by the second hour of the carnival it was standing room only.  Costumes were on full display, as witches, aliens, monsters, Ghostbusters, princesses, and all manner of creatures patrolled the grounds looking for games, treats, and friends.  

Long lines kept the mini horse rides and Spook Alley running nonstop during the event, while the caution tape maze managed to befuddle many who entered it.  The outdoor event lighting let the action continue on into the night, as the sun made its eerie descent in the west and the shadows came out in force.  By the end of the evening, as tired families made their way out to the parking lot with more than one sleeping toddler, the darkness had fully taken over, though the sounds of laughter could still be heard throughout the grounds.

As always, the individual game booths were overseen by Malad Elementary teachers, aids, and volunteers.  In addition to a Costume contest, there was Mr. Grote with Plinko, Mrs. Crossley’s Gourd Ball Bounce, Mrs. Johnson’s Putt-Putt Pumpkin, Mrs. Waldron’s Jack O’ Lantern Shoot Down, Mrs. Allen’s Down a Clown, Mrs. Blaisdell’s Skelton Skee Ball, Mrs. Clark’s Monster Moves, Tattoos, Crisis Center booth, Ireland Bank’s prize wheel, Hess Lumber’s wooden maze game, Mrs. Cook’s Cookie Walk, Mrs. Langston and Mrs. Lamb’s Pop Toss, Spook Alley, Mrs. Mackey’s Tombstone Toss, Mrs. Ball’s Pick Your Lock, Mrs. L. Jones’ Splat the Rat, Caution Tape Maze from Non-Typical Excavation, Ms. Ipsen’s Fishing Pond, Mrs. Hawkes’ Pick Your Prize, Mrs. Reiss’ Clown Bean Bag Toss, Mrs. Brown’s Token Toss, Mrs. Weeks’ Lucky Ducks, Mini Horse Rides from Mini Madness, and others.     

Also as always, the community stepped up in a major way to help support and sponsor the event.  Some businesses staffed booths and ran games themselves, while many more donated time, money, and resources.  Sponsors for this year’s carnival include Jeremy and Laura DeJong, Balloons by Janelle, Ihler Sales, Edith’s Colllective, the Oneida Crisis Center, Malad Drive-In, Hess Building Contractors, Werk Ranch, Mountain Peak Apparel, Burbidge Custom Timbers, Studio A Dance, Mini Madness, The Oneida County Commissioners, Hess Lumber, Ireland Bank, Non-Typical Excavation, Volcano Girls, Horsley Funeral Home, Tiny Tots, Ihler Hydroseed and Fence, Exit 13 Antiques, EMS and Firemen, Hess Pumice, the Oneida County Fairboard, W7Transport, ATC Communications, KJ’s Superstore, Cody and Annie Brower, Wittman Farms, Mountain Valley Realtors, Thomas Market, Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital, Oneida Family Dental, Blue Rock Excavation, The Gym, Andrea and Wacey Jones, LeGrande Aqua Plunge, CWC, Janelle Merja, Last Minute Wireless, R&R Driving School, Pizza Stop, J Peak Propane, Defend Pest and Lawn, Boot Lane Vintage, Reeder Excavating, Lofthouse Cookies, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County Library, Mountain States Insurance, Idaho Real Estate Group, Iron Door Smokehouse, and many volunteers and individuals. 

This is only the beginning of the Halloween season in the valley.  Malad Elementary will hold its annual Halloween parade on October 26, and other seasonal activities in the run up to the big day.  The Heritage Harvest Festival begins this weekend, and will be held next weekend as well.  The Library will host its Halloween Night on October 18.