Annual Leadwood Carnival begins Saturday

The new kings and queens of the West County School District will be announced Saturday night after a day full of fun, family activities.

The annual Leadwood Carnival begins at 8 a.m. with a flea market, crafts sale and Country Store in the West County Middle School. Items will include crafts, quilts and other handiwork; household and food items; and assorted yard sale type &#8220treasures.” Inside activities run throughout the day until 9 p.m. Concessions will include pizza, snow cones and cotton candy.

The free event is sponsored by the high school junior class.

Last year’s middle school and the high school kings and queens will ride in the Carnival parade, which starts at 1 p.m. and runs along Main Street. Approximately 140 entries are expected, including floats from each class in grades 6-12.

A barbecue dinner follows the parade at 2 p.m. and features barbecued pork steaks, bratwurst, and hot dogs. The meal includes coleslaw and potato salad. Cost is $4 for adults and $3 for children under 10.

Students will compete in a variety show from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the middle school. Each class earns points for its performance, the class’s parade float, the class booth, number of items they supplied for the craft exhibits, and other carnival-related activities. Points are totaled and candidates from the class with the highest number in the middle and high schools become the new Carnival royalty.

The coronation of the new king and queen for grades 6-8 takes place in the middle school at 9:30 p.m., with coronation of the high school royalty at 10 p.m.

Proceeds from the event go to the junior class for their senior trip. The class is hoping to make at least $18,000 for the day. Juniors work throughout their junior year and part of their senior year to earn money for the trip. This year’s senior class is going to Hawaii. The junior class hopes to visit Florida or Hawaii next year, depending on the amount of money they raise for the trip.