Torrey Pines Elementary School will hold its fourth annual Halloween Carnival on Sunday, Nov. 4 to benefit the TPES Foundation, which funds classes the public school system would otherwise cut, such as those in science, art, computers and physical education.
The TPES Foundation will turn the school into a spooky haunt, with Halloween games, a haunted house and ponies to ride on.
“The group this year is thinking outside the box a little more,” Principal Jim Solo said. “They’re holding a farmers market.”
The market will have organic produce, flowers and home-baked goods.
For many who remember the previous carnivals, their favorites will be available, including a cakewalk, costume contest, general store and huge jumpers for the kids.
“We have a haunted house that’s very popular,” Solo said. “They set it up on our stage in the auditorium.”
Still, most kids will spend their time at the general store, where they can buy toys and other goodies with tickets they’ve earned from playing games.
For many children who attend this year’s Halloween carnival, it will be an exciting place where they can show off their costumes. But for the TPES Foundation and school officials, the carnival is an important touchstone in making sure the students keep a smile on their faces the rest of the year.
The foundation has been around for “at least 15 years,” but, for many reasons, the pre-ticket sales and the underwriting are at an all-time high, Solo said.
He said that, in addition to the school having a larger neighborhood population, there is also a very active La Jolla community around Torrey Pines Elementary School.
Last year, the TPES Foundation raised more than $130,000. The Halloween Carnival and the Spring Gala raise the most money for the foundation.
“We don’t have a Parent Teacher Association,” Solo said. “We try to get every family together. We want 100 percent participation from families in the community.”
The carnival will be held Nov. 4 beginning at 11 a.m. at Torrey Pines Elementary School, 8350 Cliffridge Ave. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.tpesfoundation.org.