(Feria de Countryside 2026 version español) 

Carnival is Friday, May 8th, from 6 PM – 8 PM. Filled with games, prizes and delicious eats. Carnival is Countryside’s favorite tradition, and one of our school's biggest fundraisers of the year!  Every dollar raised supports classroom grants, scholarships, staff appreciation, and awesome PTO events like the All-School Party and Celebration of Cultures. 

Details for this year’s student art contest will be announced soon. All submissions will be displayed during Carnival, and up to three lucky winners will have their art featured on event posters. 

• Join our planning committee! Planning committee roles are fun, fully supported, and perfect for anyone who wants to get to know the school and community even better. Email Krissy Sommerstad (kjsommerstad@gmail.com) to sign up or learn more.
• Want to volunteer during Carnival? Those roles and shifts will be posted soon.
• Donate Raffle Items: Gift baskets, small prizes, and big-ticket items welcome! (Sign up to Host a Raffle Basket or visit our Amazon Wish List)
• Sponsorship opportunities: Sponsors receive promotion leading up to, during, and after Carnival. Email Krissy Sommerstad (kjsommerstad@gmail.com) to learn more.

   

   

Thank you to last year’s sponsors! 

Q: How can I help?  

A: We’d love your help! Carnival takes over 150 volunteers to ensure a safe and smooth event for all our attendees.  We will need volunteers to run the games or help with various areas of the event.  Grab a friend, sign up a caregiver or grandparent... and we love to see middle school or high school alumni help too! Day-of volunteer roles to be posted soon. 

Hot tip! The games are broken out into several shifts. It’s easy to spend time with your family for 

the first part of Carnival and then send them off with one parent while the other parent grabs a 

shift. You can also grab a buddy and sign up for a shift together.  Friends help friends volunteer! 

Q: What tickets do I have to purchase? (order forms will be available in April) 

A: The following tickets will be available for purchase: 

• Event wristbands are required for all students (children 3 and younger are free): $15 before event, $20 at the door. 

• Raffle tickets: $1 These must be purchased in cash, by an adult, 18+ years or older per state law. 

Hot tip! This is a cash or check only event. There are ATMs located near Jerry's. 

Q: When should I purchase tickets? 

A: We highly recommend pre-ordering tickets! Pre-order forms will be sent home with students in April. You can also pre-order in-person the week of Carnival, Monday, 5/4 – Thursday, 5/7 from 2:30-6:00 PM and Friday, 5/8 from 7:30 AM-5:30 PM. 

Hot tip! Write your contact information on raffle tickets at home (email and phone number) – and save yourself the time and hassle while at Carnival. 

Q: Will there be food available? 

A: Yes! We will have a wide variety of entrees, snacks, desserts, and beverages available for purchase. Full menus will be provided in advance. 

We try our best to accommodate those with food allergies; nothing on the menu will include tree nuts or peanuts, but some foods may be processed in a facility with several different allergens.   

Q: Am I eligible for scholarship support to attend Carnival? 

A: For Student Scholarship support, including wristbands, contact Marya Dumke, Countryside School Social Worker (Marya.Dumke@edinaschools.org).  

Q: I’ve never been to Carnival, what should I expect? 

A: Be ready to play games! Weather permitting, we’ll set up Carnival activities and games both outside and inside. Many classrooms will include games such as putt putt, plinko, cereal walk, ball drop, and book walk! There will also be a quiet room for those that need a break. 

Q: How Does the Raffle Work? 

A: The process is much like a traditional raffle where you put your tickets in buckets at the 

event. You can purchase as many raffle “tickets/chances” as you like for $1 each. Tickets must be purchased in cash, by an adult, 18+ years or older per state law.  

Last chance to enter the raffle is 7:15pm. 

Before you drop the raffle tickets in the box, we ask you to add your contact information on each ticket (at least your name and phone number). Be sure to keep the bigger portion of the ticket; this allows us to match the winning name/number. The more entries, the better your chances… And remember each ticket purchase supports student learning and school resources.   

Hot tip!  Print off contact information labels to stick on the raffle ticket! 

Remember to place your ticket into the container before 7:15 PM, when the raffle closes. Winners will be announced during the live drawing starting at 7:30 PM. You do not have to be present to win – we will contact you to coordinate your prize pickup. Prizes must be picked up by an adult (18+) starting at 8:00 PM. A list of winners will be available online during the event.  

Q: Can I let my child go off on their own? 

A: This is your own call, but it is not unusual for children to be seen on their own at Carnival. If you feel comfortable that they know their way around the school and have a buddy or two to go with then go for it!  

Q: Can I bring a stroller? 

A: Carnival is wildly fun but also wildly busy and can get crowded. If possible, we highly recommend leaving the stroller at home. 

Q: Where do I park? 

A: There will be limited parking at Countryside. Please plan to park on the streets surrounding the school. Overflow parking is also graciously permitted by our neighbor, Good Samaritan Church (5730 Grove St).  

Q: Any additional questions? 

A: Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. We were once in your shoes and are happy to talk through any questions or concerns you have. You can email the Carnival Co-Chairs with questions: Krissy Sommerstad (kjsommerstad@gmail.com) and Rachelle Haroldson (rachelle.haroldson@gmail.com). 

Carnival Day-of Checklist

• Ticket pre-sale is highly recommended, but we will have day-of tickets available for purchase. This is a cash- or check-only event. There are ATMs located near Jerry’s. 

• Bring a bag to carry around prizes. 

• Come hungry but snack before! We recommend a snack for (you and) your kids 
  beforehand. There will be plenty of food to purchase, however, to help combat those 
  overstimulated meltdowns, a snack beforehand will go a long way! 

• Fill out your raffle tickets in advance. Pre-purchase your raffle tickets so you have 
  time to fill them out legibly. One seasoned parent even prints out contact labels at home 
  and sticks them directly onto their tickets! Last chance to enter the raffle is 7:15 PM. 

• Thank you for volunteering! If you’ve signed up for a shift, please be on time to ensure  
  all volunteers also get to enjoy the event with their family.