Raymond’s PTO’s Winter Carnival draws crowd to Tassel Top Park

Allie LeBourdais, a third-grade student at
Raymond Elementary School, shows off
her ice skating skills during last Saturday's
Winter Carnival at Tassel Top Park. 
PHOTO BY LORRAINE GLOWCZAK

By Lorraine Glowczak

There is a certain charm to small-town living that includes the image of a tight-knit community that gathers along with laughing children by their side. Last Saturday’s Winter Carnival hosted by the Raymond Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Raymond Parks and Recreation Department brought that longed-for experience and image to life. 

 

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tassel Top Park in Raymond was buzzing with about 250 children and their families who enjoyed ice skating, smores making, snowshoeing, and snow sledding on a cold but sunny March weekend. 

The PTO offered hotdogs, chili, pizza, and more while the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber provided free hot chocolate – all of which could be enjoyed by sitting around a firepit, of which there were three.

 

“The PTO and the Raymond Parks and Recreation Department organized this Winter Carnival as an opportunity to gather safely outdoors and have fun,” said Kaitlin LaCasse, PTO Co-Chair and Chair of the Winter Carnival. “It was also a fundraiser for the PTO, with all proceeds going towards our mission of supporting our schools. This year was such a success. We all hope that it will become an annual event.”  

 

The Winter Carnival was such a hit with the younger folks that parents had difficulty pulling their sons and daughters away when the event ended.

 

"My oldest didn't want to leave; she said it was so fun to be with so many friends from school, outside of school,” parent Julia Hebert said. “My other child asked if we could go back again next weekend."

 

Mother and Winter Carnival Committee member Madeline Redmond said that all three of her children had asked to go again the next day.

She shares her own experience as a parent.

 

“I loved meeting other parents and community members while helping with the s'mores station,” Redmond said. “The whole family is looking forward to next year."

Creating such a successful event takes a lot of work by many volunteers. LaCasse said the Winter Carnival Committee consisted of the following terrific people: Jodi Carroll (PTO President), Joe Crocker (Director of Raymond Parks and Recreation) and parents, Donna Vieira and Madeline Redmond.

Raymond PTO has more events and activities coming up for the spring. 

 

“We have the spring book fair from March 25 to April 3, to be held at the Bibliophile Bookstore and Coffee House, and we will be hosting a 3v3 basketball tournament on June 18,” LaCasse said. “Families can stay up to date on all PTO activities via Facebook or on our website, raymondschoolspto.org.”

 

There are many ways for parents and community members to get involved in the Raymond PTO.

 

“Membership is just $15 per year and all proceeds go directly to our efforts to support the students and staff at Raymond Elementary School and Jordan Small Middle School," LaCasse said. “Folks can also volunteer at events (you don't need to be a member to volunteer). We always need extra help. People can visit us online at raymondschoolspto.org or email us directly Raymondschoolspto@gmail.com” <