On Saturday, March 23 the Arcola Day Care welcomed youth and their parents to Prairie Place Hall for one of their major fundraisers of the year.
The third annual "Spring Fling" Children's Carnival, which was planned by the Arcola Daycare Fundraising Committee, was supported by a large variety of sponsors to create a successful day of fun for youth to partake in.
The carnival began at 10 a.m. and lasted until 3 p.m. Many people filtered in and out throughout the day with youngsters having fun running between face painting, a number of carnival games, and bouncy castles.
Admission for the day was by donation, while other fundraising came in the form of a Chinese auction and selling art work the children in the day care created. The Daycare also had the concession open at Prairie Place.
Money is still coming in from the day and expenses still need to be subtracted, but the Daycare brought in approximately $1,000 through donations at the door and the Chinese Auction. An estimate of $500 was raised through the kitchen. Overall the day, therefore, brought in over $1,500 and was a great success.
Michael Ellis, owner of Michael's Coffee Shop, was also present for the day, which the parents of the youth were very happy to see.
Kids thoroughly enjoyed their time at Prairie Place. Many having butterflies painted on their faces, while others were turned into the web slinging superhero, Spiderman.
Youth enjoyed taking part in the many games offered including a hockey shoot-out, fishing pond, bean bag toss, ring toss, and a teddy bear pond. Prizes were won and the children were extremely excited to show them to their parents.
There were also three separate bouncy castles, which attracted many jumpers to participate.
Laughter emanated from the building and genuinely happy children rushed to and fro as they participated in the many activities established by the Fundraising Committee.
Giant smiles crossed the faces of all the youth as they won prizes and bounced happily around the bouncy castles.
"This is one of our big fundraisers. It's something fun to do because it's directed towards the kids," Whitney Rutten, Daycare Director, explained.
All funds will be going towards general operating costs of the Daycare, which is currently full with a long wait list of hopefuls.
The daycare is able to take on children between the ages of six months and 12 years; but, consists of those 18 months and older currently.
The daycare is facilitated by Rutten and three other full time employees as well as a part time cook. It is an important service to the area, which is in high demand.
