The Chanute Recreation Commission had its sixth annual Christmas Carnival on Dec. 14 and entertained more than 400 people.
The event, created by CRC Executive Director Monica Colborn, has grown significantly since its start in 2018. That year the event had six gifts donated and entertained more than 100.
“This year we have received $3,875 in sponsorships from local businesses and we dedicated all those funds to purchase over 200 toys and gifts just for the kids,” Colborn said in an email to the Tribune.
She said 471 people attended the event this year. The carnival had 30 gift baskets on display divided into six categories: Mens, Womens, Boys, Girls, Family, Game Night. Some of these gift baskets included Chiefs gear. There were also pre-made baskets from local businesses. Attendees could purchase tickets for a chance to win one of the baskets. Revenue generated from these tickets is used the following year to purchase items for the gift baskets.
Colborn told the Tribune that the purpose of the free carnival is to provide an afternoon of fun for families to enjoy. The event features Christmas-themed carnival games such as Olaf’s Frozen Fishing, Christmas Cornhole, Santa’s Bucket Toss, Tic Tac Snow, Frosty’s Bingo, Rudolph Run Plinko and a table to write letters to Santa and color gift bags.
See CARNIVAL, Page 10.
Local organizations join in and sponsor various activities. For example, this year Living Word Assembly Church worked the hot chocolate and cookie decorating station. The Run for Ollie Foundation donated the kids’ bikes for the outdoor play drawing. Local businesses have donated gift certificates for the shop-eatplay Chanute drawing.
“The reasoning behind creating this special event, my dream and vision is for every family who comes through the door to have the opportunity to create wonderful memories together and to have the opportunity to win gifts that they may have on their wish list. Our gym transforms into a winter wonderland, and there is nothing greater than hearing the squeals of joy as we call a winning ticket number and the ear-to-ear grin as they come to claim their prize. Knowing that our Christmas Carnival has been the only opportunity for a family to provide gifts under the tree that year is a testament to the mission of the CRC: Establishing and organizing affordable programs, activities and events that enrich the lives of our community and enhance the quality of life,” Colborn said.
Last year, local businesses donated additionally to ensure that kids didn’t leave the carnival empty-handed. Last year, CRC provided each child who didn’t have a ticket drawn a stocking stuffed with gifts and goodies.
Sponsors this year were: Home Savings Bank, Rowe Motors, Derek Swader O.D, Steve Faulkner Ford, Community National Bank, MRH Insurance, Bank of Commerce, Orizon, Labette Health, Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips, Optimized Process Furnaces, Commercial Bank, Grant Gastineau DDS, Stone Creek Golf Course, Maring Aquatic Center, Tractor Supply, Jennifer Dietsch-State Farm, O’Reillys, B&W Chanute, Talk of the Town, Cardinal Drug, Roxy 4 Theatre, Big Ed’s, Domino’s and Han’s Flowers.
‘Our gym transforms into a winter wonderland.’
— Monica Colborn, CRC executive director
