Every year Stonewall Jackson Elementary’s Fall Carnival faces seasonal challenges from the State Fair of Texas, the flu, Halloween parties and a cold front bringing rain. This year was no exception. In fact, the carnival faced the added challenge of coinciding with Texas-OU weekend, Woodrow Wilson’s Homecoming and a massive H1N1 outbreak.

But, in spite of all the obstacles, Stonewall Jackson Elementary’s 2009 Fall Carnival on October 17 was a huge success! Really though, it’s no surprise. Everyone in Dallas knows Stonewall folk are EXCEPTIONAL! And, not only was the weather cooperating – thank you 70 degrees and sunshine! – but, it was also the most beautiful Saturday in weeks, bringing out the child wanting to play in all of us.

Carnival Chair, Thuy Sherman, and her entire crew of Stonewall parents and staff did an amazing job at setting up outdoor and indoor games – the heart and soul of every carnival – as well as the dunkin’ booth, food tents, signs, ticket sales, an outdoor obstacle course, a market, photography booth, bounce houses and more. Volunteers from SMU, Lakehill and JL Long helped out with face painting and hairspray, the DJ kept the party hopping, and everywhere you looked was the cool blue 09’ carnival t-shirt worn by everyone who could get their hands on one.

The money raised through ticket sales, donations and sponsorships will directly support Stonewall Jackson Elementary through the purchase of educational supplies and equipment, field trips, teacher grants, library books and computer equipment, enhancing the children’s educational experience. Thank you to all of the families who came out on carnival day and enjoyed the delicious hot dogs and won a few cakes in the Cake Walk and prices in the Wheel of Wonder, and maybe got a little sunburned. Thank you tiger faces and pixie cheeks for putting the whole event in perspective and for making your parents shun laundry and gardening to romp around on the field for the afternoon! We did it again!