- February 7, 2025
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Jordan Payne leads a conga line. Photo by Paige Wilson
Alexis Mellen enjoys her ice cream. Photo by Paige Wilson
Gavin Beach throws the ball at the target. Photo by Paige Wilson
Ashlyn Colley and Vega Schwerin rush off the inflatable obstacle course to go do it again. Photo by Paige Wilson
Noah Robert likes his cotton candy. Photo by Paige Wilson
Kaylee Williamson enjoys the carnival ride. Photo by Paige Wilson
Emma Sofia Castells enjoys her cotton candy after getting her face painted. Photo by Paige Wilson
Juliana Herrin throws the ball at the stacked cans. Photo by Paige Wilson
June Ridder climbs high on the rock wall. Photo by Paige Wilson
Charlie Gatz poses with his ice cream. Photo by Paige Wilson
Students dance at the fall festival. Photo by Paige Wilson
Addison Simpson dances to the music. Photo by Paige Wilson
Hundreds gathered at Tomoka Elementary School on Friday, Nov. 3, for a night of carnival-style games and food at the annual Fall Festival.
About 50 volunteers made up of PTA members, teachers, parents and local students put on the event to celebrate Tomoka Elementary's 50th anniversary.
Michelle Flis, PTA vice president of ways and means, said the money raised will fund technology advancements for classes and school events as well as Teacher Appreciation Week.
The silent auction was one of the biggest revenue generators at the festival. Teachers collaborated with their homeroom parents to create themed gift baskets filled with donations for the auction.
"It's all 100% profit because everything's donated," Flis said. "We sell the tickets for $1, and then they can put their ticket in whatever basket they want. Then, towards the end of the evening, we pick out the winner."
DJ Melissa entertained students under the pavilion while other students ran around to enjoy the rock wall, inflatable obstacle course, bounce house, dunk tank and more.
"The DJ is a huge hit," Flis said. "The kids love [DJ Melissa.] Her daughter went to school here, so she's been here forever."
Last year, almost 900 people attended the festival, and Flis expects the same turnout this year.
"This is a big community school; we're very much about that," she said. "So, there are a lot of people from the community here as well."
