The last Saturday in October found the St. John’s campus transformed into a beach-themed carnival, complete with sand, palm trees, lifeguard stands, surfboards and a “boardwalk.” Despite cloudy skies, hundreds of St. John’s students and their families celebrated fall at Carnival 2013: The Beach Club.
Presented by Comerica Bank and organized by the St. John’s Parents Association, the festivities were co-chaired by Sanka Stalcup and Mary Anne Walters, and staffed by an enthusiastic team of volunteers.
Attractions included carnival fun for all ages, like classic midway games, a petting zoo, inflatables, zip line, Super Slide, Spin-a-Sweet bake sale, Silly String wars, and the newest carnival addition, the Quad Jump. Food and drinks were provided by Burger House, Kuby’s, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Kona Ice.
DJ Dan Beaty kept the Beach Club hopping throughout the afternoon. He energized the crowd during hula hoop contests and limbo challenges while dancing to beach tunes. Kids and adults alike also enjoyed a country solo by St. John’s Episcopal Church’s rector (and school parent), Fr. David Houk.
Ten teams competed to deliver the carnival’s best BBQ in the fourth annual Taste of Tailgate. They offered generous samples to carnival-goers in the “Grill and Chill” area. Winning team, “Kermit's Revenge” received the coveted 2013 Grill Master Champion award; team members were Kelly Crain, Mark Ferguson, Randy Walters and Ken West.
The St. John’s community gratefully acknowledges the Carnival sponsors: Comerica Bank, John DeGroote Services, Beth Borman of Dave Perry-Miller and Associates, Dee’s Doggie Den and Hillside Veterinary Clinic; in-kind sponsors: Burger House, Kuby’s, The Lot, Penne Pomodoro, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Gatehouse Capital; and family sponsors: Anonymous (2), Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Adams, the Angelley Family, the Bare Family, Mr. Ken Bennett, Laura and Carl Braasch, the Caldwell Family, Marla and Mike Cannon, the Carroll Family, Cata and Chuck Cooper, the Croft Family, Traci and Robert Doane, Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Dow, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Gilker, Susan and Marc Goldman, the Hartin Family, the Kadane Family, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kipness, Andrea Kirby, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kulas, the Litle Family, Sarah and Robert Morgan, Leigh and Scot Parks, the Roden Family, the Savant Family, the Stalcup Family, Sarah and Chad Teachout, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Thornhill, the Timmins Family, the Walters Family, the Wigley Family and the Williamson Family.