Frank L. Bowser's Home and School Annual Spring Fun Fair offers fun for the whole family at a low price for a good cause

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Frank L. Bowser School in Riverview prides itself on being known as a community school focused on families.

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Frank L Bowser Elementary School's gymnasium is just one of many rooms that is transformed during the annual Spring Fun Fair, which will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

By teaming students up with the parent-run Home and School committee, the group is looking forward to pulling off their annual three hour fundraising event this Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm.

"It's a frenzy during those three hours," laughs Home and School President Betty Hynes, who shares that the event is an excellent platform for family fun.

"We don't often get to do things as a whole family anymore. One parent drives a kid to hockey, while another parent is pulled the opposite way to an event for another child.

"This is an old fashion way of raising money, one where we want whole families coming out."

At 50 cents admission, which is less than the price of a Popsicle, there is no reason not to turn up for the event.

Packed with games, activities, raffles and an auction, the fair draws in a mixed crowd, with some very devoted returnees.

"We have kids from middle school who are coming back because they miss the community feel of the school," points out Betty. This year, a group of middle school students are participating by taking part in a booth.

Each class, from Kindergarten to Grade 5, sets up a carnival type stand with prizes for each player who visits the stall.

The class is responsible for their own decoration and theme and come up with some pretty creative endeavors. Betty says it's their personal contribution.

"The kids participate and make posters, decorate and clean up," she says. "We try and get them to realize that it's for them."

Last year the money raised by the fair went towards laptops for the Grade fi5ve class, as well as a stainless steel fridge for the hot lunch program.

With over $9300 made in three hours, it's no wonder the school wants to keep this going.

"All the money raised for this event goes through the Home and School Association then back directly into the school," explains Betty. But it's not just up to the associations' discretion where the funds get allocated.

"We get lots of parents and teacher support for this event, and the principal works very closely with us to determine what the school needs."

Betty makes it very clear that the fundraising efforts do not get put back into rudimentary needs such as pencils and rulers.

This year, they are in hopes of raising enough money to purchase a battery-charging tower for the laptops as well as other necessities.

Although the school was successful last year, they once again need community contribution. Since each game or activity is kept at a pocket change price, the opportunity to help out could be as simple as paying admission.

"We're not asking parents to break the bank," explains Betty. "Donations are on a strictly volunteer basis."

Parents and businesses have donated items, which will be wrapped up in various themed gift baskets, and raffled off during the fair.

There is also a silent auction where donations and gift certificates from local retailers can be bid on.

"The success of this event for me is to see the kids react and hear them be proud of their school," says Betty.

"When kids see their parents in the school they feel very proud."