Although it was Assistant Principal Mandy Lewis’ first time running a Lafayette fundraiser, it earned about $6,000 for the Class of 2013 and volunteers said the day ran smoothly.

“It’s running a whole lot smoother than I had imagined. The parents really have it very well under control,” Lewis said during the event on Jan. 30.

Lewis said parents bagged the baskets and prizes ahead of time, making for an easier set up and clean up than before.

“I think it’s been running smoothly. I just got here but so far, it’s been pretty easy, nice and seamless,” freshman volunteer Mallory Wesley said.

Wesley said, “I think [Lewis] is doing a pretty good job. I think it’s nice that there’s a new twist on it, so it’s not the same every single year. It’s a fresh take.”

The turnout was very good as well.

“It seems like we’ve had a good amount of kids here today,” Lewis said.

Parent ticket volunteer Jill Boone said, “A lot of people came in and bought 50 tickets right off the bat. I would say at least six thousand tickets [were sold].”

“People were being really generous with their donations [at the silent auction],” Ellen Craven, Carnival chair said.

Some teachers like math teacher Jennifer Murray and social studies teacher Scott Allen attended the Carnival with their children.

“It’s great for the kids,” Allen said.

Freshman volunteer Melanie Crowe said, “There are little kids and then older kids, all ages. They’re all laughing.  I like working, it’s fun to see the smiles on everyone’s faces.”