Thank-Fall Family Festival and Fundraiser coming soon at Cherry Coulee

By Samantha Johnson
Commentator/Courier

Cherry Coulee Christian Academy is trying something different this year for their annual fundraiser. In past years, they’ve held a supper and silent auction on the Friday night but this year have moved the event to a Saturday (Oct. 19) and changed it into a family festival.
Principal of Cherry Coulee Mike Daniels explained.
“We wanted to make it more inclusive. There are always so many other things happening on the Friday night so we thought we’d open it up to more people and do it on the Saturday.”
The name for the fundraiser is also new.
“Myself and the committee came up with the name and thought it fit nicely,” said Daniels.
The committee is uncertain concerning number of people who will come out to enjoy the festival but are hoping for as many as possible and are planning for between 300 to 400 attendees. There are posters around town and they’ve been talking to various businesses, trying to attract as many people as possible.
“It’s open to the greater community and extended area and not just a school function,” commented Daniels.
Another unknown is the weather. If it looks like it’s not going to cooperate, the festival can be moved inside the gym, but they’d rather have it outside.
Onsite all day will be special guest Marina Cole, a chainsaw artist. Her website, Chainsaw Spirit, has photos of her work, which range from a rearing horse to bull dogs, fish and mermaids. An array of old men with intricately carved long beards and mustaches shows how detailed her work is.
Some of the carnival games will be fast pitch and hardest shot, with velocity guns measuring who has the hardest shot and throw. The winner of each of those events will receive one of the larger prizes. Other types of midway games onsite will be a ring toss, pop the balloons, and knocking bottles off a stand.
The silent auction this year will be smaller than in previous years but have larger ticket items. Daniels said “There is a hot air balloon excursion, Calgary Flames tickets, and Marina will do a couple of carvings for the auction.”
In addition, there will also be wagon rides around the property, a bouncy castle, photo booth, balloon animals, pumpkins for kids to decorate, and puppet shows taking place throughout the day. For food a bake sale will be taking place and a concession available selling hot dogs and hamburgers.
Cherry Coulee has organized a well thought out festival with something for everyone. Come on out and support the academy. The Thank-Fall Festival and Fundraiser takes place on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Festival will be held at 422 4 Street East in Bow Island. Cost is $5 per person and there will be tickets for purchase for some of the activities.

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