Safe holiday fun at Golden Oak School

Golden Oak Elementary School was the place to be on Friday as they hosted their annual Harvest Carnival.

Put on by the Golden Oak PTO, this event is one of the main fundraisers of the year for the school. The campus was decorated with pumpkins, brightly colored gords, and funny ghosts and ghouls, letting the community enjoy the holiday in a safe environment. In addition to PTO members and school staff, there also were different organizations there giving out information and giving the kids treats with no tricks required.

The Shafter Police Department were handing out stickers and treats, meeting the kids and their families, letting the kids know that there are names and faces that go with the badges that they see on the street.

One of the most popular attractions at the event was the Cake Walk that was operated by the third-grade class. People lined up to get their chance to win a beautiful cake or an assortment of cupcakes. As the music stopped, a lucky winner's number was called, giving them their choice of goodies.

An array of inflatables also were available, including a big slide, bounce houses, a maze, and a fun house. For those hungry carnival goers, there were nachos, popcorn, along with a variety of food choices. Ice cold drinks and frozen treats were also being enjoyed by those who needed a chance to cool off.

This event allows the PTO to help the students in a variety of ways. The funds go towards field trips, school supplies, and future parties and celebrations put on by the group. Another big event that they have coming up is the annual Book Fair, which will take place in just a couple of months. A team of volunteers spent hours readying the school grounds for the carnival, including setting up lights, decorations, and assembling booths and games, as well as preparing the different food items.

As always, there was Angel Jimenez, who was supplying the sound for the event. Vice Principal Raymond Carr was out front, greeting the carnivalgoers as they entered the grounds, with members of the PTO handing out tickets for the different activities that were available. Led by PTO President Erin McGee, the PTO provides kids with opportunities and experiences that might not be possible without their contributions.