When planning our carnival, we discovered how much our bilingual parents and classes were willing to contribute. Previously, there was always a language barrier. This time, we had a great person translating and their participation was impressive. Not only did they coordinate their own games, which included traditional games of tug-of-war, musical chairs, sack races and pin the tail on the donkey, but they also had their own table set up with concessions. They brought authentic mexican food and everyone went crazy over it.

Our more popular games included the cake walk and book walk. Hair painting is always a hit. We had karaoke going on in the cafeteria, which was something new we tried this year. It was quite popular and there was a line for the duration of the carnival, as well as entertainment for those eating in the cafeteria.

Of course, the dunk tank outside is the most fun. We have some great teachers who offer to sit in the tank and taunt the kids. Every now and then they go down!

Other games included a “mad science lab” where the kids would feel “body parts” in boxes. Peeled grapes for eyes, cooked spaghetti for intestines, a peeled grapefruit for the brain, etc. A talented parent made a wheel of fortune game. We opened up the climbing wall in the gym, pulled out the Wii, did fingernail paining, the duck pond ring toss, a saucer toss and had bounce houses outside.

The games were a huge success. We sold over 12,733 tickets at fifty cents each.

We also had some great items in our live auction. I’ll fill you in on that tomorrow!