Carnival promises three hours of fun

Games, a jump house, music, dance, food and Friends of Ramona Unified School’s “Royal Shower” are among features of the Spring Carnival at Ramona Elementary School on Friday.

English Language Advisory Committee parents and the PTA invite the community to join them on May 6 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the school, 415 Eighth St.

“The parents have worked hard to organize a fun event that is a fundraiser to purchase new playground equipment for the RE students,” said teacher Deborah Long.

The play structure costs $40,000, which supporters admit is an ambitious goal. The plan is to build it in phases and seek support from a variety of community sponsors.

The existing playground equipment is at least 30 years old, retired teacher and FORUS Board member Lynda Kubinak told school district trustees at their April board meeting, inviting them to attend. She showed them a diagram of the three-phased plan, pointing to what can be done with $20,000.

“For another $12,000, it would look like this,” she said, pointing to the drawing, and then the total is about $42,000...It’s a fitness combined with fun area.”

The carnival will have a variety of food booths featuring authentic Mexican cuisine, game booths, music and a presentation of baile folklorico by Ramona del Sol dancers. A variety of community groups and local businesses have pledged their support to make this a successful event and improve the playground for students.

“We would like to thank and acknowledge FORUS, Piva Equipment Rental, La Cocina, El Michoacan, Casa Reveles, Mi Ranchito, Mañanas, Pureco’s Party Rentals, Celso Abarca, Ramona del Sol dancers, Boy Scout Troop No. 360 and Girl Scout Troop No. 8758,” noted Long.

In addition, student volunteers from Montecito High School, Olive Peirce Middle School and Ramona High School will be at the event.

Because everything will be donated, 100 percent of carnival proceeds will go toward the playground equipment. Proceeds from last year’s carnival paid for a new water fountain.

“Please come for a fun evening of food, games and entertainment with family and friends,” said Long.