Building on the massive success of last year’s PTO carnival, the Event Center was filled, inside and out, with kids, parents, teachers, and all manner of ghouls and ghosts to kick off the Fall Halloween season.  The event, which is the biggest fundraising event for the PTO during the year, brought in several thousand dollars for the organization.  “We actually ran out of tickets for the event,” Melanie Coleman reported, “which is obviously an awesome problem to have!”  

Despite the large number of attendees, which was believed to be the largest yet in the current form of the Carnival, the expanded events in the outdoor areas and the balmy weather created an environment that was busy, but not overly crowded.  “This has been a great event again,” Coleman stated, “and this time seems to work.  We’re planning to continue the event the first week in October in the future.”

Not only is the event an excellent showcase for the creativity of the teachers and administration of the school, but the sponsors who have been consistent at supporting the fundraiser over the years—from the time it was held in the school itself to its present, larger incarnation.

“It feels like everyone in the world is there!” MES principal Sarah McIntyre said.  “They [the PTO] do a great job, and it’s wonderful to see so many people come out for it.”  Indeed, from twenty minutes before the Carnival officially opened to well after its closing at 8:00, the Event center was buzzing with the happy shrieks of kids in full Halloween spirit, and the convivial conversation of their parents.  “The kids have such a great time,” McIntyre said.  “It’s really just one of the events to look forward to during the year.”  

Like all Halloween Carnivals, the event was designed around a mixture of games of chance, games of skill, and spooky attractions.  

Once again, the MES teachers and local sponsors managed to create dozens of amazing activities and events to keep everyone busy until late after dark.

Inside the Event Center, parents and students were able to mingle against the warming smell of Walking Tacos and other food and drink while they participated in a variety of games, from pitch and toss to face painting.  While Halloween is still several weeks in the future, a good percentage of those in attendance were already decked out in their Halloween gear.  Witches, superheroes, vampires, and all manner of costumed surprises filled the hall.

The indoor space of the Event Center was filled out with games sponsored by Hess Lumber, the Oxford Peaks Arts Council, the Oneida Crisis Center, Mrs. Schow’s Frog Flinger sponsored by Ihler Sales, Mr. Grove’s Plinko sponsored by Hess Pumice, Mrs. Allen’s Down a Clown sponsored by Ireland Bank, Mrs. Waldron’s Jack O’ Lantern Shoot Down sponsored by the Gym, Mrs. Bagley’s Put-Put Pumpkin sponsored by Brower Law and Malad Mama, Mrs. T Jones’ Spinner Board sponsored by Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital, and Mrs. Weeks’ Lucky Ducks sponsored by Malad City and HBC.

Food was provided by the 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 Event Center has allowed the Carnival to expand in scope from its earlier confines in the elementary school.  Mini Madness, for instance, provided mini-horse draw wagon rides around the perimeter of the fairgrounds, while the open area allowed for a large Cookie Walk to take place throughout the evening.  The Spook House saw consistent traffic as well, with some emerging from the smoky darkness unaffected, and others making their way out screaming.  A spot for selfies was made available and stayed busy all evening as families gathered up to document their seasonal group shots.  

One of the recent additions to the Carnival was the large maze made from caution tape, which kept kids going in laughing circles at the show arena area of the fairgrounds.  The maze was sponsored by the PTO and Horsley Funeral Home, which designed it for this year closer to the other events than last year’s straw maze.  “It’s kind of out baby,” Melanie Coleman said.  “It was great!” 

The outdoor space available at the Fairgrounds allowed for some very popular events, including:  Mrs. Crossley’s Pick-A-Pop sponsored by Mountain Valley Realty, Mrs. Hawkes’ Pick Your Prize sponsored by J Peak Propane, Ms. Ipsen’s Fishing Pond sponsored by ATC, Mrs. Ball’s Pick Your Lock sponsored by Studio A Dance, Mrs. Reiss’ Clown Bean Bag Toss sponsored by Ireland Bank. Mrs. L. Jones’ Bubble Gum Toss sponsored by Last Mile Wireless, Mrs. Brown’s Token Toss sponsored by Mountain States Insurance, Mrs. Blaisdell’s Luc “Key” sponsored by Defend Pest and Lawn and the Oenida County Library, the Spook Alley, sponsored by Brittany Donnan and Family, Mini horse cart rides 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, though 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 number of student activities and programs.  The PTO is always grateful for the support of the community, especially for major events like this.  “We always appreciate the support, and I want to thank people for making this the biggest one yet!” Coleman said.