Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  Entering the Nederland Elementary School on Friday night was like walking into a carnival at the peak of summer season. Music bounced back and forth between the gymnasium and cafeteria walls as cake walkers slowed and scurried, trying to grab a circle before someone else did.

The aroma of cotton candy, grilling burgers, and hot dogs wafted over heads and into nostrils, coaxing appetites that people didn’t know they had.  A mighty chorus of shrieks, shouts and shrill laughter was the constant melody uttered from the lips of what seemed like the entire student body and its parents, friends, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In other words, the NES End of the Year Carnival was a huge success; volunteers say it was probably the best ever.

Carnival goers were met by Nederland Police Officer, Josh Follett, who offered police department stickers to one and all. Inside, the Nederland Fire Protection District firefighters taught children how to stop, drop and roll, and just for fun, they “foamed” the kids as they rolled down the mat. Almost every child scrambled to their feet, their mouth and eyes wide with surprise and said, “That’s really cold.” It was a good way to emphasize the lesson of what to do in case they are in a burning house.

Carnival games were scattered throughout the open space, with tons of fun prizes. A bubble bounce in the middle of the room blew money, suspicious looking, into the air and the children hurled themselves against the squishy walls to catch a fiver.

Children of all ages had their faces painted by other children, and the longest line was to be found at the temporary tattoo booth, where dragons and flowers were spray painted onto arms and wrists. Toddlers had their first fingernail painting session. A remote controlled school bus, like the Pied Piper, had a herd of little boys running around behind it. It would turn and wink at them every now and then.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the carnival was the huge silent auction that offered art, food, and goodie bags, as well as every kind of health and therapy gift certificate imaginable. There were services, getaways, and even newspaper subscriptions. The volunteers did an excellent job of gathering donations from many generous individuals and businesses.

The annual event was indicative of the supportive community that embraces the elementary school, its great team of administrators and teachers, and all staff members who contribute to the NES family.