P.S. 236 Mill Basin School, at 6302 Avenue U, held an unforgettable debut of an elaborate carnival and fundraising event in the schoolyard on Saturday, June 3rd, that was the talk of the town.
Families and neighbors lined up outside the balloon-festooned entryway excited to purchase raffle tickets and wristbands for unlimited rides and games for the kids. Inside, music played and kids screamed with laughter and delight as many excited conversations took place between parents who were catching up with each other.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” Principal Salil Paingankar said of the unexpected turnout as he praised the PTA and their committee for doing a wonderful job. He volunteered for the dunk tank and was dunked around six times.
Neighborhood pediatrician Dr. Christopher Miner also volunteered for the dunk tank wearing a superhero costume. His office generously donated a bicycle and raffle basket, one of numerous prizes donated by the local businesses.
Other fun attractions included a live DJ who created a dance party atmosphere, bouncy houses, basketball, slide, steel pans, archery, face painting, resource tables, a clown and carnival games.
Tasty treats included popcorn, ice cream, candy, cotton candy, candied apples, brownies, hot dogs, sliders and food truck offerings.
Stilt walkers, Sandy the Seagull from the Brooklyn Cyclones, local politicians, 63rd Precinct officers and community leaders mingled among the crowd.
The main organizers were PTA president Michelle Robinson, Carnival Committee co-chairs Christine Corrar and Cristina Caputo, about 10 PTA moms and a core group of parent volunteers who divvied up the to-do list.
“It is the best attended event we have ever done,” said Robinson, who estimated an attendance of over 800 people because all 600 wristbands were sold out. Funds raised go toward student clubs, academic and music programs, sports equipment, school trips, graduation and more.
“It has never been done before,” Caputo said of the desire to create a fun event that was open to all. “We wanted it to have a block party feel and a place to gather.”
