Mt Laurel Renaissance Faire to raise funds for science lab, Chromebooks

The 13th annual Mt Laurel Renaissance Faire — one of the largest fundraisers of the year at Mt Laurel Elementary — will be at the school Sept. 30 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. 

But the event is more than just a fundraiser, said PTO President Tara Walker.

The Faire is “a night for the community to come out and have some family-friendly fun,” she said. “It truly is a special night that the kids love and look forward to each year.”  

Reminiscent of a fall carnival, the Faire is sponsored by the PTO and gets its name from the school mascot, the Knights.

The Faire will feature a lot of games and activities, including an obstacle course, bounce houses, basketball and football toss, a pirate-ship ride, a swing ride and the Tubs of Fun spinning ride, Walker said.

There also will be “a new challenge called the Meltdown,” she said. “It has two swinging boom arms that try to knock you off your podium. It is similar to games from the TV show ‘Wipeout.’”  

Food, desserts and drinks will be available for purchase — vendors will include Chick-fil-A, Johnny Ray’s BBQ, Kona Ice and Holy Cow — with proceeds going to the PTO.

There will be a silent auction with a portion of the money going to classrooms and the remainder to the PTO fund for use in filling general needs around the school during the year, including technology, Walker said.

“A goal this year is to add a science lab and more Chromebooks for use in the classes,” she said.

The auction this year will feature a technological innovation, Walker said.

“We will be doing our auction online as well as live, so anyone can bid from the comfort of their home,” she said.

The Faire has something for everyone, Walker said.

“The students love it because they get to run around, play all the games and eat some yummy food,” she said. “I think the teachers like it because they get to spend time with their students in a different environment other than the classroom. The parents love it because they get to socialize with their friends and don’t have to cook that night, and the kids crash once they get home from all the fun.” 

Admission at the door is $15 per child, with adults admitted free with a child. All rides and games are included. To get updates regarding the online silent auction, check the Mt Laurel PTO Facebook page. Mt Laurel Elementary is at 1 Jefferson Place.