Prescott Elementary again hosts Fall Fair

Take a look, and find out why this is more than just a school carnival, in Parkrose …

Carnival games of all kinds, and for all skill levels, are part of the annual outer East Portland Fall Carnival at Prescott Elementary School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Many Parkrose families look forward to the first Sunday in October, when Prescott Elementary School hosts its annual Fall Carnival.

Even with dark clouds threatening rain, and occasional sprinkles, hundreds of folks made their way to the school on Saturday afternoon, October 1.

Parent volunteer Eleisa Perry and organizer Gretchen Ganbara are ready for another fun Fall Carnival.

“It takes lots – many, in fact – of parents, here at the school, to put on our Fall Carnival every year – so we’re all happy when we so many neighborhood families come by and have fun at it,” said organizer Gretchen Ganbara.

After buying carnival tickets at the gate, parents often had to jog to keep up with their kids, as the children visited the many entertainment food booths, played games for prizes – and took turns in the giant inflatable bounce castle.

Naturally empathic parent volunteer Rayne Tafoya tells fortunes – and, they’re all positive forecasts for happy lives.

Taking a slide out of the bounce castle is James Vu.

“We do this because it’s a nice way to give back to the community; providing old-fashioned family fun for parents, students, and neighbors,” Ganbara told East Portland News. “Here, the whole family can have some safe fun, get to know one another better – and it costs very little to participate.”

The event is also a fundraiser for the Prescott Parent Faculty Community Association, explained Ganbara. “This is one of the organizations that help by supporting field trips and school supplies and other things that the school may need for extra enrichment activities.”

Looking for “buried treasure” in the haystack is Jett Shoffeitt.

Dingo Dismal the Clown squeaks balloon animals, toys, and hats for kids and adults.

In addition to promoting the fair to neighbors – whether or not they have kids in the school – the committee also reaches out to business sponsors. “Les Schwab donated the popcorn, for example and Winco has been very generous with us as well,” Ganbara smiled.

Having many students from the Parkrose High School AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, and from National Honors Society, helps make the annual fair possible.

“The best thing for me? The smiles on the faces of people who come through,” Ganbara said.

> On our FRONT PAGE: To the delight of students, Prescott kindergarten teacher Bradley Shaffer-Ortiz takes a dunk in the water tank.

© 2016 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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