Photo courtesy of Tara Walker.
Mt Lauren Renaissnce Faire
Children climb the rock wall that is among many activities at Mt Laurel Elementary’s annual Renaissance Faire.
The 12th annual Mt Laurel Elementary Renaissance Faire may not have jousting knights, but it is a chance to have fun and support local students. The event, reminiscent of a fall carnival, gets its name from the school mascot, the Knights, and will be held Friday, Sept. 18 from 5:30- 8 p.m.
The faire is a community event and open to everyone. Sponsored by the PTO, it is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the school.
PTO President Tara Walker said the faire doesn’t really feel like a fundraiser because it’s such a fun event.
“We want to make it meaningful and fun,” Walker said. “We are trying to narrow down our fundraisers. In addition to the faire, we are going to do a coin drive the first week of school. We would like to have those be our two fundraisers for the entire year, but that will depend on how successful they are. The Renaissance Faire has done really well in the past.”
The faire will feature games including bowling and ring toss. Other activities include a rock wall, bounce house and football toss. New this year will be the Buckets of Fun, which is similar to teacups at Disney World. Guests will also be able to participate in a pie toss, which will feature teachers and principals as the targets.
“My favorite part of the faire is the swings. You go so high," said Sarah Loftus, who is entering third grade at Mt Laurel Elementary.
Rising fifth grader Finley Walker said, “I like the faire because your whole family can come and have fun, plus there is food and rides.”
Food and drinks will also be available for purchase. Specific food vendors have not been confirmed, but in the past have included pizza, barbecue and ice cream. A portion of food sales will also benefit the PTO.
Vendors will have their products for sale in the gym and a silent auction will take place in the cafeteria. A percentage of money from the silent auction items will go directly back to the classrooms. Each class will also auction off a flower pot filled with classrooms rewards, with those funds going directly back to their class.
“The Renaissance Faire is a great opportunity for all members of the community to come together for a night of fun and fellowship. We are blessed to have such a special event that benefits the children of Mt Laurel Elementary,” fifth grade teacher Emily Heisler said.
Funds raised from past Renaissance Faires have been used to buy iPads for the classrooms, resurface the playground and buy soccer goals and balls for recess. Walker said the PTO hasn’t officially decided what they will purchase with funds raised this year.
“We always work to upgrade technology every year, so some will go to that and some will go to the things that pop up as the year goes on,” Walker said.
“It’s a big undertaking,” she added. “But, it’s always so much fun it’s worth it for us.”
Mt Laurel Elementary Renaissance Faire
- Sept. 18, 5:30-8 p.m.
- 1 Jefferson Place, Mt Laurel
- Children: Unlimited activity armband - $15
- Adults: Free
