The upcoming carnival for Farm-City Days, Oct. 15-18, is always a big draw for local kids, especially, but can be a hit to a family’s pocketbook.
This year all-day passes to the carnival are $25 a pop.
So Aaron Franklin, chairman of the F-C Days Committee, has come up with an idea for kids to earn the coveted wristbands that gain admission.
A car wash.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Sonic Drive-In kids will wash cars. Those participating will be required to devote two hours of scrubbing and polishing to earn the wristbands.
Making the fundraising plan more workable is that Franklin was able to negotiate the price down to $15 if wristbands are purchased by Sept. 1.
Franklin said the cost of the carnival is out of the price range of many area families. It “puts them out of the market. Reality is we have about 68 percent of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals (at school),” he said. “The two things most important to kids at Farm-City Days is the parade, where they get candy, and the carnival,” Franklin noted.
Any youngster, regardless of circumstances, who wants to earn a wristband is welcome to help with the fund-raiser. About 50 already are signed up. “And we want to know anyone else who is going to be there ahead of time.” Call Franklin at 620-228-2745 or email at aaron.franklin18@gmail.com. “We need to know the number so we can have enough adult volunteers to manage the event,” he said.
Franklin allowed a single car wash may not raise enough money to provide wristbands for all kids willing to work. In that case, “I’m confident we can find the money to make up the difference, maybe even have another event of some kind,” he said.
Car wash a real deal for kids
