First SEPAC carnival a big success at Masco
A circus tent at Masco?! Did cirque-de-soleil come to town? No, it was the Tri-Town SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) Carnival!
A large number of 400 kids and parents as well as 70 volunteers came out for SEPAC’s first annual Carnival Fundraiser to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of jousting; human foosball; a dunk-tank; listening to music while sampling hotdogs, pizza and ice-cream; as well as many games and activities held indoors and outdoors at Masconomet High School on Sunday.
Many attractions
While carnival games were the main attraction, the afternoon included a variety of unique activities including taking a robotic pony ride from Windrush Farms, super-sized Kerplunk and Connect-Four games, and a human foosball court built by members of Boxford Boy Scout Troop 51. Musical talent rocked the crowd including duo Peirce Deal and Ava Gaudin from Spofford, No Ties from Mrs. Monty’s Spofford Pond jazz band, Kendall Klipper, Corina Smith, and Eddy Smith’s band Deviant.
It takes a community
The Carnival was a big success raising more than $10,000 for the Special Education organization.
The Institution for Savings provided the foundation with a generous grant for this community event. The money raised will be used to fund teacher’s grants across all three towns, seed a learn-to-type program in the elementary schools as well as support additional educational programs hosted by SEPAC during the school year.
There were more than 35 sponsors who helped make this event possible, with several jumping into the Platinum Level ring including: All About Fun, BodyCo., the Boxford Community Store, the Danvers YMCA, Events for Rent, Killam Construction Co. Inc., Koncius Digital Marketing, LaFauci Dental Group, Richardson’s Ice Cream, and TECC Systems Inc. Also, special thanks to Dr. Lyons and Dr. Creeden for their support, and the Masconomet and Tri-town school committees for the use of the property for the event.
The Assistant Principal of Masco Middle School Gavin Monagle, Assistant Director Brad Denton, and teacher Mr. Nick Mazzaglia were good sports while kids took turns practicing their pitching skills for a chance to sink one of them in the dunk tank!
At first the carnival was just a dream of SEPAC president Kristen DeMarco. But her careful planning and ability to rally support from the school, her family, friends and community made the carnival a reality. “The special education community not only benefits from this event, but all of our children benefited from the loving, supportive community we created with such a family celebration,” commented DeMarco, “I can only imagine what next year will bring!”
The Tri-Town SEPAC provides education, support and assistance to parents/guardians of children with special needs in Boxford, Middleton and Topsfield on Special Education issues and services.
To learn more or find out how you can get involved, go to tritownsepac.org.
