Anderdon Funfest draws in the community

Under the direction of teacher Tim Beneteau, the Anderdon Public School marching band performs at the Anderdon Funfest last Thursday night.

A local school opened its yard up to the community and the fun then began.

Anderdon Public School held its third annual “Anderdon Funfest” last Thursday evening with games, raffles, food trucks and performances by the public elementary school’s recorder and marching bands. Grade 8 teacher Randi Lamarche, who helps oversee the school’s leadership club, said the event has expanded since it was first held.

“Every year, it gets a bit bigger,” said Lamarche. 

Lamarche said the leadership club comes up with and runs the games. She said that helps enhance their leadership and organizational skills.

“It’s a fluid process,” she said of organizational efforts. “They’ve got it down to a science. They make sure the games are run well. They are showing collaboration and teamwork.”

The entire school helps out, Lamarche added. Proceeds from the Anderdon Funfest go to the school, as it helps to purchase technology and update the furniture in the library.

The Anderdon Funfest started as a way for the community to come together after the COVID-19 pandemic. The school wanted for everyone to gather and celebrate while raising some funds at the same time.

“We wanted everyone to be active,” said Lamarche. “It’s a nice, family atmosphere.”

There are approximately 45 Grade 7 and 8 students in Anderdon’s leadership club and they get to work together to plan events like the Funfest. Lamarche added students have to have a letter of recommendation and at least ten community hours to be able to apply for the club.

The staff at Anderdon Public School was also praised for their efforts and staying late to help make sure the event went well.

Principal Mat Burkhart was thrilled to see everyone come together.

“I see community. We had the community show up,” he said. “They have a lot of fun together.”

Burkhart said the community not only turned out, but they assisted with donations as well. He thanked Lamarche and music teacher Tim Beneteau for their work in organizing and presenting the event.

“We have so many staff helping the students,” he said. “Everyone worked hard.”

Anderdon Funfest draws in the community

By Ron Giofu