Ellington

Soddy Elementary School Parent Teacher Association’s 20-member team is creating a festive carnival-style atmosphere for this year’s Fall Festival being held Oct. 27.

“We are trying to raise money for the kids to have a safe playground with a fence,” said SES PTA vice president Angelia Crowe. “The festival is also a way to show off our new school that was built four years ago. It’s a day for students to enjoy their friends and family.”

Vendors are still welcome to sign up in advance to have a booth at the festival, which is being held in the halls of the school and outdoors on the campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition to shopping opportunities, there will be a car show, live entertainment, food, games, door prizes, themed gift baskets, inflatables and a dunk tank featuring school principal Kim Roden and Soddy-Daisy Commissioner Geno Shipley to attract “children” of all ages.

Those wishing to enter their vehicle in the car show must pay a $20 contest registration fee. Antique and custom cars, hot rods, trucks and all other vehicles are welcome.

Other entertainment is being brought to the school by Center Stage Dance Company, Rick Hall’s Tae Kwon Do, the Christ Family Church Holy Ghost Girls, Boots and Buckles Line Dance Club, Zumba instructor Monica James and bluegrass musician Brian Blaylock.

There is no entry fee for attending the car show or rest of the festival, but games require tickets. Games include face painting, a bean bag toss, duck pond and cookie walk. Additional fun games are being provided by Oak Street Baptist Church.

“This is our fifth Fall Festival,” said SES PTA president Audra Patterson. “This year, funds raised will help the PTA purchase a fence to go around the school playground. Estimates for the fence range from $3,900 to $7,400.”

She and Crowe said any funds left over from purchasing the fence will go into the PTA general fund that supplies materials for the classrooms in which the school’s approximately 400 students are taught. Last year’s festival proceeds purchased a new sign for the school.

Christ Family Church is donating breakfast and lunch for the event. Biscuits and sausage will be served in the morning hours and hot dogs, nachos and cheese and chili will be served in the afternoon hours.

Freedom Worship Center is providing the inflatable bouncy house and slide for children to explore throughout the event.

“Come out, enjoy the entertainment and games and support out school,” said Crowe. “This is our big annual fundraiser for Soddy Elementary.”