Throw on your flannels and grab your pumpkin-flavored drinks because it is finally October, and Clay High School has the perfect fall festivity for you. Get together with your family, friends or yourself and attend the annual Halloween Carnival from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Clay Junior High gymnasium. Included in this highly anticipated event will be inflatables, games, raffles, a hayride, cake walks, auctions, a queen contest, a T-shirt bar and the main attraction of the evening: a haunted house.
The Clay Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) will host the event, providing free fall fun not only for Clay students but also for the public. Every year, the Clay PTC comes together to organize a day filled with fun and thrills, but this year brings a twist and a new beginning.
“There are many changes this year after taking a vote from teachers on what they wanted to see,” Clay PTC member Brooke Vaughters said. “First, the food trucks! I think this will be a huge hit instead of the typical concession items. Second, we are having a queen contest, with 11 girls raising money over the past months to be crowned queen. Third, we have purchased a cotton candy machine and plan on making and selling fresh cotton candy! Fourth, we have revamped the games for the kids. Fifth, the silent auction baskets have changed, and I believe they will be a huge hit!”
Coming up with ideas was just the start; putting the plan into action is the main objective.
“Behind the scenes is crazy,” Vaughters said. “The planning involves trying to work full-time jobs, collecting raffle items, and ensuring everything is purchased for the games while also including traditional elements but spicing it up a bit. We must make sure this is fantastic.”
While all of this is possible through the PTC, there is immense support from local businesses and vendors contributing to the evening.
“Over the past few weeks, we (Clay PTC) have been seeking patron sponsors, and because of multiple businesses, we raised money for the carnival,” Vaughters said.
Several businesses will also participate through activities provided.
“The T-shirt bar is new this year, and they will be making shirts on the spot,” Vaughters said. “You can choose the design and shirt, then walk away with it—no waiting necessary!”
Several businesses have also donated gift cards and raffle items to show their support for the evening.
Many students are excited to attend, especially Clay’s fifth-graders, who will be the main attraction in the haunted house at the carnival.
“We have a fantastic group of parents that have come together to make this year fun and memorable for the kiddos,” Vaughters said.
Save the date and come out to support the Clay PTC to enjoy the fall atmosphere and be surrounded by excitement. No admission fee is required to attend, and tickets for games, inflatables, hayrides and raffles will be sold at the door. Let your fall season needs be fulfilled at the Halloween Carnival.
“We hope to attract people from everywhere and show them how much fun we have been planning for this event,” Vaughters said.
