FORT IRWIN, Calif. — The playground of Lewis Elementary School was transformed into a family-friendly Fall Carnival by the Parent Teacher Association Oct. 5.
“It was pretty well done, it actually looked like carnival games,” said Tamara Ureno, a parent of a transitional kindergarten student at Lewis.
Lewis Elementary is part of the Silver Valley Unified School District, serving transitional kindergarten through second grade on Fort Irwin. The annual Fall Carnival at the school is open to the entire Fort Irwin Community.
This year’s event was held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with approximately 1,000 community members enjoying carnival-themed food and activities. Children bounced in the bounce houses, climbed the portable rock walls, were entertained by magicians and had the pleasure of attempting to dunk Lewis teachers in the dunk tank. Many of the activities rewarded the participants with tickets to be turned in for prizes.
The Fall Carnival is not only a way to afford the community the opportunity to come together and have fun, but also to raise money for the school through the PTA, according to Taryn Lamoreaux, Lewis Elementary School principal. A silent auction was held inside the cafeteria that consisted of items donated by community members, teaching staff and various companies. The proceeds from the carnival are used by the PTA to reimburse teachers and support staff when they make purchases for items used in the school.