Hundreds of students, parents, and staff crowded into the school gym for the well-organized chaos of the annual Strathcona Elementary Spring Fair. Dozens of traditional carnival games, two enormous bouncy castles, face painting, balloon animals, a cake walk, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy were all on hand.

"This is the 3rd annual Spring Fair," says Margaret Jorgensen, Principal at Strathcona. "The initiative is to not only fundraise but more importantly, to create a fun family and community event.  It's one of the highlights of the year for sure."

Angelia Ellis, a parent and key organizer of the event says that the primary focus of the fair is to make it accessible to all families and to have fun. "We keep all the food, games and rides at a cost of $1.00 or less, and we provide free professional face painting and balloon animals" she says.  

One of the most popular activities was the shower tank, where students could try their hand (with a well-aimed golf putt) at soaking Principal Margaret Jorgensen and Vice-Principal Jesse Brown.

At the start of each the school year the Strathcona PAC reaches out to teachers and asks what would they like/need for their class. "We get all kinds of requests, from new board games, individual white boards or calculators, to bus tickets and field trip vests," says Ellis. "Although our main focus is community fun, every year we have managed to raise money and those funds go to the classroom wish lists."

Local businesses help by donating to the raffle, offering volunteers to run the event, and financial contributions. Ellis gives special thanks to Benny's Market, Finches, Revel Room restaurant, many local artists, London Drugs, T&T supermarket, Playland, the Vancouver International Children's Festival, The Vancouver Foundation and so many more.

Says Ellis, "Over the years we have built relationships with G&F Financial and Telus, and this year Vancity came out to help too. All three companies, volunteered time, some brought cakes for our cakewalk and we also received a financial donation as well."

A true community event, this years' fair allowed the PAC to give every classroom $8.00 per student to use towards the class wish list.

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