Back with a bang!
The Anna Maria Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization held its annual fall festival to fundraise for school programs Oct. 23. The previous year’s festival was canceled due to COVID-19, but this year students, teachers and parents were able to participate in a parade from Roser Church to the Center of Anna Maria Island, where the PTO provided games, rides and events for children and parents.
“We had a lot of people from the community come out. We’re very happy to be able to put on the event this year. The kids running around — just seeing the smiles on their faces — this is why we do it,” said PTO president Nicole Plummer.
Students participated in a costume contest before racing on the field and into the gym at the center to enjoy the entertainment provided by the PTO and event sponsors.
“We wanted to go above and beyond for the kids this year since COVID halted a lot of our events last year. It’s been a great success and we’re so happy for the support and love everybody showed us,” said Alana Fleischer, vice-president of the PTO.
— Tomas Gomez