Inflatables were full of kids climbing, jumping and sliding. Bingo, Board Games and Bunco were all busy. Want to sing? Head on over to the Karaoke area, grab a microphone and belt out a tune! Want to play a carnival game? Well step right up and take your turn! You name it, they had it!
On Friday, the School City of Hobart sponsored its third annual Springfest. The proceeds from the evening will support the Early Learning Center in Hobart through the Parents As Teachers who service children in the Hobart Community from birth through kindergarten. They provide information, support and encouragement needed for children to develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. They do this via home visits, playgroups, screening and help connect them to resources to help those with barriers connect with necessary services such as speech therapy.
The program is funded by grants, donations and fundraisers. “This is the biggest fundraiser for the center. Everyone comes out to volunteer for this event. Teachers, PAT members, Staff from all the schools, parents all come out and volunteer it is amazing! There are over 450 volunteers here today!”said Jackie Jenkins from PAT. The idea came from Superintendent Peggy Buffington and it’s been a big success. People look forward to coming each year and even look forward to volunteering or for the event. Cafeteria and Custodians volunteer their time to help service the event.
There is something for everyone here tonight. For $10 you could take part in everything that is available at the Springfest, or for $8 you could get a Fish Fry Dinner. The dinner included fish, cole slaw, fries a drink and dessert. Many parents bring their kids here and have dinner and a family night out. Where else can you go and have a jam packed night of fun for only $10, not only that but the money goes towards a great cause?
Entertainment was provided by the Hobart High School Theatre. A magic show and musical review provided the crowd with mystical magic tricks and showcased the musical talent of the members in the HHS Theatre group.
Raffle tickets were available to purchase for $2 each or 3 for $5. The raffle prizes were $500 for first place, $300 for second and $100 for 3rd place. All proceeds go directly to PAT for use at the Early Learning Center.
A silent auction for various Raffle Baskets is another successful component for raising money for the evening. Many vendors within the community as well as volunteers have put together baskets to be auctioned off to raise funds. Several Easter Baskets were available to bid on as well as baskets for Scentsy Lovers, Scrapbook Lovers, Bakers Baskets, Gardeners Baskets and even a Blast Camp, Pizza Basket and many other restaurants.
The event took place in the High School gym, Great Hall and Field House along with the Auditorium and a few other rooms and hallways as well. The volunteers came in and start setting up at the end of the school day and have to hustle to get things ready by 5 p.m. Everyone was exhausted by the end of the evening! The kids were worn out from all the fun they have had and the volunteers are exhausted from their long day as well. But it is a good kind of tired. Everyone was so enthused and dedicated to give of their time and it is a really fun event to host.
Pete Ferguson brought his kids out to the event. “Can’t beat the $10 price for all the inflatables and games. The kids get to try everything and by the time we get home they are beat!”
