Fall festival raises funds for school

Students and parents of Lakeview Elementary enjoyed a day of fun that benefited the school as they participated in the annual Fall Festival Saturday.
The event has been a tradition at the school for about 20 years, said Lakeview Parent Teacher Organization President Gina Winfree.
"It was around before I was a member of the board, and I've served on the board for 9 years," Winfree said.
The festival is one of the schools most successful fundraising efforts, but also provides the kids with some fun activities.
"We do it to raise funds for the school," she said. "It's something that works well."
The festivities included inflatables for the children to play in, craft booths and other vendors and several game booths. There were basketball shootouts, a football throw, a MASH tent in which the children could give themselves fake injuries, and glow golf.
Each of the teachers in the school was given a different responsibility in the festival. Some classrooms helped with concessions while others helped out by sponsoring the game booths for the kids.
"All of the teachers have a responsibility to make the festival run as smooth as possible," Winfree said.
Many of the younger children got a special treat from Vickie Fleming. Fleming made her first trip to the fall festival this year and entertained the crowd as a clown. She had a large bubble wand and allowed the children to chase after the suds and pop them.
"It's been a great day," Fleming said. "We've had beautiful weather."
Winfree noted that the festival was a good opportunity for the students to get together and have a good time while also getting their parents involved in the fun.
"The event is not just a fundraiser," she said. "Its a community event that lets everyone get involved."
Involvement didn't seem to be a problem as volunteers were on hand to help at every step.
"You have to have volunteers," Winfree said. "Without them this event wouldn't be possible."
Thanks to the hard work of the volunteers and school staff, the event was "one of the least stressful festivals we've had" Winfree said.
"So far it's turned out well," she added.
Staff Writer Kimberly Jordan can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 16 or by e-mail at kimberly.jordan@lebanondemocrat.com.