Halloween carnival benefits VC school, needy kids

For about 20 years, students in Virginia City have had ghostly fun putting on a Halloween carnival and raising money for their school.

Rose Arp, secretary at the Virginia City Middle School, said she's been helping with the annual carnival since her 23-year-old daughter was in school.

"I've been doing it for 17 years, and it started before I came," she said. "I don't know exactly when it began."

The middle school students do all the game setup and decorating for the event, which will be from 5:30- 8:30 p.m. Thursday in the middle school gym. Parents help in 30-minute shifts, but Arp said the kids run the show.

Principal Todd Hess said the annual event raises between $3,000-$4,000, which goes mostly to pay for art and science supplies.

Any funds left over go to Christmas program where a lunch is brought in for students, and to provide Christmas gifts for students from low-income families.

"We first look at our supplies situation," Hess said. "Then we identify students in need and have a secret Santa give presents."

He said this year some of the items to be raffled include a a basketball signed by the Nevada Wolf Pack team and a one-night stay for two at Seven Mile Canyon Ranch.

"(The ranch) is bringing in one of those steers that you rope," he said. "So we're going to teach some Old West stuff."

Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and can play games like a cake walk, which is a form of musical chairs where the winner receives a donated cake or baked good.

There will also be a fish pond, mini-basketball and bounce house for the kids, among other games.

Hess said the carnival is not just important for the school, but for the entire community.

"It's one of the largest gatherings for the town," he said.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 881-7351.

If You Go

WHAT: Halloween Carnival

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: Virginia City Middle School Gym, D Street, Virginia City.

CALL: 847-0980