Hyun James Kim / Special to the Home News
Sixth grader Jamie Meza attempts to wipe off some of the fake snow from his hair at Hummel Elementary School’s carnival that included two faux snow-making machines.
Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 | midnight
Jessica Lively, 3, waits patiently as her face painting is completed at Hummel Elementary School. Hundreds of parents and students enjoyed the carnival-like festivities.
As their parents stood by sipping hot cocoa or apple cider, the bundled-up students ran around laughing and playing under the arc of fake snow flying out of the hat of a large snowman.
Meanwhile, in the warmth of the multipurpose room, children and their families picked and painted ceramic wreaths, trees and hearts to hang on the tree.
As part of the PTA's Pottery Painting Night Nov. 21, John R. Hummel Elementary School families were treated to a holiday winter wonderland.
While some schools will host the event as a fundraiser, PTA President Theresa Leeds said they would be lucky to break even.
"It's an event we do for our family and the community," she said.
Leeds said the school had done the pottery painting event in the past, but the multipurpose room had gotten so crowded that seats were hard to find.
To alleviate some of the crowding, the PTA decided to entice some of the crowd outside with fake snow, face painting and live music.
The event opened with performances by Charles Silvestri Junior High School's choir, and song and dance by Hummel students.
Five-year-old Alona Sturdivant said she and her classmates were part of the show.
"We sang 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas,' 'Rudolph,' 'Santa is Coming to Town,' and 'Jingle Bell Rock,'" she said with a smile.
When the student performances were done, a band from Hope Baptist Church took over the entertainment as families mingled with people dressed up as Frosty the Snowman and an elf and enjoyed the rest of the carnival atmosphere.
Inside, O'Ceana Clemens, 7, and her friend Alyssa Shalkey, 7, dipped their brushes in paint to decorate their ornaments.
"I painted a heart with a Christmas tree and stars and a house," Alyssa said as an Alvin and the Chipmunks' Christmas album played in the background.
O'Ceana's mom, Angel Clemens, said this was the third year she had brought her family to the event.
"We have ornaments from every year hanging on the tree," she said.
Jason White said his son's favorite part of the night was painting the ornaments.
"My wife put up the tree today, then we came out here. It feels like Christmas is here," he said.
Ashley Livingston can be reached at 990-8925 or [email protected].
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