The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Big Sandy High School held its Carnival for the first time since Covid restrictions prompted its cancelation 2 years ago. The event was well attended and ran smoothly, despite the hiatus. "It's like riding a bicycle. You never forget how to do it," explained Melanie Schwarzbach. She quickly added, "I've got a nice little group of kids to work with, and it's a time-honored tradition that the community enjoys."

Many of the patrons and school staff I spoke with expressed joy at the return of the event. Cinda Pearson, who has been attending the School Carnival since she was 10 years old, said, "It's nice to have it back, to see all the kids excited about the games, the cake walk, the spaghetti, the Junior Bazaar, it's all awesome." She went on to comment on all the smiling faces and families happy for the opportunity to participate.

Monica Winderl, who worked with the Freshman Class this year, pointed out that her students were helping out with the fair for the first time due to the cancellations their first couple of years at the High School. The freshman ran the Cake Walk, which is typically one of the most popular attractions. She explained that the cakes and other dessert items handed out as prizes were provided by the students and the sponsor teachers. Each brought 5 homemade cakes (or bars, cupcakes, cookies, etc.) The freshman I spoke with were excited to be able to help run the activities, though they expressed disappointment at the lack of a bounce house and laser tag this year.

The Juniors I spoke with differed on the matter of Laser Tag. Rather than running that event this year, the Junior class put on a haunted house in the locker rooms. Throughout the evening, children lined up for the excitement of the scary event. Juniors dressed in various dark outfits, masks, robes, and spattered with red paint were adamant that the haunted house was the best event they had been able to run in the years of their involvement with the fundraiser. They all loved the chance to scare the children that came through.

I spoke with Heather Wolery, the principal at Big Sandy Schools, who compared the extreme pace of the school year thus far to being stuck on a merry-go-round that keeps going faster and faster. She explained that the event sort of snuck on them this year. In addition, not having the carnival for the last several years has resulted in many of the students not having any experience in putting their booths together or running their parts of the evening. Many of the staff were stretched to remember how things were done in years past. She explained that the traditional favorites of years past, like the bounce house, would return next year. Despite the challenges, the kids enjoyed the work and the crowds. The whole evening seemed to have gone smoothly overall.

Throughout the evening, visitors at the carnival used half of their tickets pitched for the games to vote for a king and queen. The Junior class won, with Lance Rutledge and Josalyn Genereux being crowned king and queen for the night.

All of the proceeds raised by the classes at the carnival go toward defraying the cost of their Senior Class Trip.