The inflatables are coming — slides, obstacle courses, bouncy houses, carnival-style games and more will take over Philomath High’s Clemens Field on Friday evening.
The 16th annual Community Kids Carnival will run from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and in addition to inflatables and games will also feature food and a popular silent auction. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Philomath Youth Activities Club.
The carnival benefits PYAC in a major way with no significant financial commitment required to put it on thanks to S&K Inflatables/Wacky Indoor Bounce, Boss Sports Performance, Philomath Community Foundation and several other sponsors that contribute.
“We got so lucky that one, it makes us a good amount of money and two, most people coming aren’t thinking of it as a fundraiser,” PYAC Executive Director Eddie Van Vlack said. “They’re thinking of it as a fun family night out.”
S&K Inflatables owner and local resident Rick Bennett has donates the inflatables each year since the beginning.
“He’s done a great job the last couple of years of getting new and bigger inflatables and then a couple of years ago, he purchased a bunch of carnival-specific things … that he allows us to use,” Van Vlack said.
The event has come a long way since 2008 when it was staged at the middle school and had around four inflatables. It had to be canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.
“Nobody thought it would grow into what it is today but we’re very happy that it did,” Van Vlack said. “Rick and Danielle (Bennett) … they do events all over the state and it’s amazing how many inflatables he has but I think our event is the biggest one that he donates the most items to. So, we’re very, very thankful and appreciative of his support over time.”
Admission is free but inflatables and games require a wristband, which will be sold at the gate. The cost is $25 for ages 7 and older and $20 for ages 6 and under.
In addition to the inflatables, the wristbands provide unlimited access to the games that will be offered. Participants will be able to collect punches on a prize card and after reaching 15, they can be submitted for prize drawings.
For the adults, a silent auction will feature items that range from sports memorabilia and sporting goods to candles and retreats.
Classic carnival foods will be available for purchase, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn and snow cones. Gary and Kathy White have provided food at the event since its first year. In addition, the Bushnell family’s shaved ice cart will be set up.
Van Vlack mentioned that the carnival has been growing so much that parking at the high school has started to become a challenge. He recommends parking at the nearby primary school or middle school.
The weather forecast looks favorable but if rain becomes an issue, the party moves into Philomath High School.
Setup for the carnival will begin at around 12:30 to 1 p.m., a process that typically takes up to four hours or more leading up to the event. Teardown occurs right at 8:30 as the event closes down. Van Vlack said volunteers are always needed and those interested can call PYAC at 541-929-4040 to inquire.
