ESSO Hosts Kids' Karnival

Kids’ Karnival, one of the largest annual ESSO events, was held in Grainger Auditorium this past Sunday.This year, Kids’ Karnival had one of the biggest turnouts that it has had in a few years. Not only were there children from around the town of Exeter, but several ESSO clubs such as Big Sib Little Sib attended the event.“Kids’ Karnival is a really great time for us Exonians to spend time with the whole Exeter community. It’s so much fun to see all the children running around laughing and playing with each other and us students,” lower Vennela Vellanki said, a member of Big Sib Little Sib.Kids’ Karnival is annually run entirely by Exeter students volunteering at a variety of booths and games. This year, the activities ranged from face painting to cotton candy, and even bouncy houses. There were also tables for arts and crafts.

“Our school is clearly a very important aspect of the town of Exeter, and Kids’ Karnival is a great way for the institution to give back to the entire community,” prep Genesis Contreras, a volunteer at the event, said.“It shows how much us Exonians actually care about the community and are willing to take the time out of our busy schedules to come help,” Vellanki said.Each year, ESSO opens up the event to all students, and accepts volunteers whether or not they are in ESSO clubs. This year, there was a surplus of people willing to volunteer at the event.“It’s so amazing that this year, people were coming up to me and telling me that they wanted to volunteer, but there were already too many people,” Vellanki said.Contreras agreed. “Not only do the kids have a fun time, but we as volunteers also have a great time setting up the event. Everyone loves kids, and being able to hang out with them, trying to entertain them for a couple of hours is a good time. I dressed up like a clown, danced around and gave out plastic rings. I have absolutely no regrets!”