Fieldcrest Elementary School in Bradford West Gwillimbury celebrated two milestones this spring.
The school has hit a student population of more than 1,000, making it the largest public school in the municipality.
And the parent council held its first Family Fun Fair, bringing that huge school community together for an evening of fun and fundraising.
“We’re proud of our parent council,” said Principal Kim Lefevre-Walke. “They’ve worked hard since January to pull this together. The beauty of tonight is there’s something for everyone.”
Families could eat at home before coming out to see the displays set up by community partners that included South Simcoe Police and BWG Fire & Emergency Services, and enjoy the games, the entertainment and the vendors - or they could purchase everything from jerk chicken to Beavertails from the food trucks set up on the school property.
The longest lineup was for ice cream, on what was a perfect summery evening.
Many of the kids' games were free. There was also face-painting, henna art, candy floss, entertainment by a DJ, magician, and a visit from ‘Moana.’
“It’s a bit of a fundraiser, to raise funds towards what the school needs – a bit of technology, a bit of equipment,” said organizer Nikki Kim, but more importantly, it was about engagement, bringing together school families, and the greater community, she noted.
Local high-school students volunteered to help out at the fair, and local businesses set up their booths in the Fieldcrest gym. “They all donated something for the raffle table, or they’re giving 10 per cent (of sales) to the school,” said Kim.
And the Town of BWG provided picnic tables and garbage cans for the event. “Ours is the first school they’ve done that for,” said Kim, adding, “there’s something for everyone.”
Walke said she'd be delighted “if we break even, or there’s a little bit extra" - but the best part of the evening was seeing the families come together for the fun fair, and the students’ “pride in their school.”
