Baby Kangaroo at the Fair Grove Elementary P.T.O. Carnival Petting Zoo being held by the community.

The Parent Teacher Organization (P.T.O.) hosts a yearly carnival inside the elementary school building and this year it was April 19th, 2024. 

The P.T.O. put in alot of organization into putting on this whole carnival for the Fair Grove community. The carnival took many months to plan out and to get all of the details set out. Ashley Lederich, P.T.O. president, states, “We have to update all of our google sheets and docs which contain all the information about booths, silent auction, food trucks, cakewalk, volunteers, ticket information, date/time/location, etc.” 

P.T.O. has to make sure that they have the right information with the food trucks, the vendors, the petting zoos, and the company that lets us use the inflatables. Lederich explained, “After that, we send home and post information about our carnival, including the date and time, and ask for donations for our cakewalk.”

The P.T.O. carnival has been around for many years with the main purpose to bring fun to the community and to raise funding for the teachers. Lederich said, “Each year, a request list is given to P.T.O. from staff members throughout the district. Plus the last couple years, we have given out nearly $6900 in gift cards to our teachers each school year!” All the money that they raise goes back to the school and given to the teachers for supplies and other necessities. 

The P.T.O. has some social media bringing attention to the projects they put on in advance to get funding and to let more people know information like when and where the activity is being hosted. 

“Finally, on the day of, we spend all day counting cakes and treats (the Elementary classroom that donates the most gets free tickets), and getting all signs, tables, and last minute setups ready to begin a successful Carnival,” Lederich explained.

There are many different things to do at the carnival ranging from challenging your friends on the inflatable obstacle course, to competing in the cakewalk. With there being so many activities everyone is destined to have a favorite. 

Cayse Overstreet comes to the Carnival with her family every year and she said, “Our family has attended the P.T.O. carnival several times over the years. They are always a BLAST and this one had to be one of the best!” She also said, “We love it all, from the food trucks, cakewalk, and blow ups to all the creative games in the classrooms.”

The carnival has many main attractions that it’s known for including the cake walk, all of the inflatable, the petting zoo, and the food. Many people come each year and it’s a packed house. Lederich stated, “Several hundred come out to have fun with their family and friends! It’s a school community carnival so all are welcome!”

“Our family is obviously passionate about education, but we are even more passionate about the awesome FG culture and impact that events like this have on our students,” Overstreet exclaimed. 

Lederich said, “Everyone is smiling and laughing, and enjoying games, food and fun. It’s a fantastic event that we look forward to all school year!”