Countryside Carnival
Quick Links:
To DONATE to the raffle baskets, you can drop off a check in the box at the front office (addressed to Countryside PTO) or donate online via MTK .
We NEED VOLUNTEERS for the event to ensure it runs smoothly. We welcome all volunteers... grandparents, Countryside middle school or high school graduates, caregiver - you can also bring a friend! Sign up to volunteer HERE by EOD Thursday, April 27th!
CARNIVAL HOT TIP - RAFFLE TICKETS INFO
When you purchase your raffle tickets, write your name and phone number clearly on each of your tickets since you don’t need to be present to win. And we want to make sure that the correct winner gets called! Some families print off labels to make it even easier.
Please note that per state law, raffle tickets MUST be purchased and picked up by an adult.
Join us Friday, April 28th from 6-8:00pm!
What is Carnival?
The Carnival is one of the most anticipated events of the school year for our students. During this event, the school will be transformed into a carnival with games and activities played in the classrooms, food options in the cafeteria and a ‘you don’t want to miss’ raffle in the gym.
And it’s also one of the biggest fundraisers for the school. Funds raised go directly to the school to support grants to teachers for classroom needs, scholarships, staff appreciation and other PTO sponsored events such as the All School Party and the Celebration of Cultures.
Tickets this year include:
Unlimited play wristbands: $15 pre-sale, $20 at the door (for kids 4 and older, planning to participate in Carnival activities)
Children ages 3 and under are free
We do not sell single game/activity tickets
Food tickets: $1 = 1 ticket
Pizza - 3 tickets per slice
Chips - 2 tickets
Cotton Candy - 3 tickets
Cookie - 1 ticket
Soda, Water, Juicebox - 2 tickets
Raffle tickets: $1. These must be purchased in cash, by an adult, 18+ years or older per state law.
How to purchase your tickets!
There are several ways to purchase your tickets. We highly recommend purchasing them early to avoid crowds and lines the night of Carnival.
Purchase your tickets early
Thursday, April 27th - 2:30-6:00pm Door 2
Friday, April 28th - 8:00-2:30pm Door 1A, 2:30-6:00pm Door 2
Purchase your tickets at the door, the night of Carnival (enter through Door 6)
Pickup your pre-purchased tickets!
You can visit Countryside anytime during the time slots below to pick up your pre-purchased tickets:
Thursday, April 27th from 2:30-6pm via Door 2
Friday, April 28th from 8-5:30pm via Door 1A (we will be in the front vestibule)
Questions? We Have Answers!
Be ready to play games!
Many of the classrooms will include either a game such as putt putt, plinko, a cereal walk, ball drop, ping pong toss and more! There will also be a quiet room for those that need a break. Did we mention there will be a room sponsored by Code Ninjas? And a Dance Party room?!
Are there prizes?
Yes! There will be prizes for Carnival games. Typically, the prizes for each game are small trinkets or a piece of candy. However, bigger prizes may include their own box of cereal (a crowd favorite) or pencils.
Come hungry!
The food is available starting at 6pm and is served in the cafeteria. Come hungry, our menu is in the works! Check back soon for an update.
Reminder: you need to purchase food tickets before you can get the food! If you find yourself in the cafeteria and wishing you had bought more food tickets, don’t worry, there will be a table in the cafeteria where you can buy more.
Hot tip! Snack (you and) your kids beforehand. There will be plenty of food to purchase, however to help combat those overstimulated meltdowns, a snack beforehand will go a long way!
We try our best to accommodate those with food allergies - nothing in the menu includes nuts, but may be processed in a facility with several different allergens.
Play the raffle!
There are over 60 AWESOME raffle baskets this year! And there is definitely something for everyone...
*Squishmallows!
*an iPad!
*Harry Potter themed basket!
*a Sleepover themed basket!
*a Fire Truck Ride to school!!
*5th grade parent raffle - secure 2 front row seats for 5th Grade Recognition!
*LEGOs, NERF, Pokemon, Mario, gift cards and SO MUCH MORE!!
The process is much like a traditional raffle where you put your tickets in buckets at the event. You can purchase as many raffle “tickets/chances” as you like for $1.00 each. Before you drop them in the box, we ask you to add your contact information on each ticket (just your name and phone number). The more entries, the better your chances… And remember each ticket purchase goes back to the school!
Hot tip! Raffle tickets are for everyone! Your Countryside student can enter the raffle, your middle schooler, and even you!
Don’t forget to place your ticket into the box before 7:45pm, when the raffle closes. Winners will be announced during the live drawing at the end of the night. You do not have to be present to win - we will contact you to coordinate your prize pickup.
Hot tip! Pre-purchase your raffle tickets so you have time to fill them out legibly. Another seasoned parent prints out labels / stickers at home with their contact info on there so the tickets are easier to fill out!
How can I help?
We’d love your help! Carnival takes over 200 volunteers to happen and with about 600 kids at the school that’s a HUGE percentage of people. Some quick ways to help:
Take a shift! We will NEED volunteers to run the games or help with various stations. Grab a friend, sign up a caregiver or grandparent ... and we love to see middle school or high school alumni help too! Sign up here!
Hot tip! The games are broken out into several shifts. It’s easy to spend time with your family for the first part of Carnival and then send them off with one parent while the other parent grabs a shift. You can also grab a buddy and sign up for a shift together.
Donate money for the raffle: The raffle baskets are funded by generous donations from our Countryside families, and we're in need of contributions to ensure that we can offer as many fabulous baskets as we have in years past. We typically ask for a $10-15 donation per student, but are appreciative of any amount donated! You can leave a check address to the Countryside PTO in the office, or donate via Membership Toolkit.
Can I let my child go off on their own?
This is your own call but it is not unusual for children to be seen on their own at Carnival. If you feel comfortable that they know their way around the school and have a buddy or two to go with then go for it!
Can I bring a stroller?
Carnival is CRAZY fun but also CRAZY busy and can get crowded. If possible, we highly recommend leaving the stroller at home.
Where do I enter and park?
All lots will be open for parking, including the streets (both sides). Overflow parking will be located at the Good Samaritan United Methodist Church (access from Groves Street). Please be mindful and try not to block anyone in - this has happened before and last thing we need are parents melting down.
You can enter the building through Door 2 and Door 6. By Door 6, you'll find the ticket sales and can pick up pre-purchased tickets there.
Any additional questions?
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. We were once in your shoes and are happy to talk through any questions or concerns you have. You can email pto.countryside@gmail.com with any questions!