Senior center hosting carnival

Burgers, sack races, ring tosses and live music are all on the lineup for a community carnival this month.

The Portales Senior Center is hosting a carnival designed for all ages.

“It’s something the whole family can come and enjoy,” said Miriam Welker, president of the Portales Senior Citizens organization.

Welker expects the carnival to include about half a dozen activities for small children, games such as ring tosses and competitions for all ages in horse shoes, sack races, three-legged races and tug-of-war. She said the day would also include professional clowns, a dunk tank and live performers.

“We’ll have something for everyone,” Welker said.

Portales Fire Chief Gary Nuckols said he plans to have a fire truck and ambulance on display.

“We’re just going to open them up so people can look in and things like that,” he said.

Local organizations can also man booths at the carnival for $5. Welker said booths featuring Avon, Roosevelt General Hospital blood pressure checks and a Fraternal Order of Eagles bake sale are already registered.

Participants are to be able to buy hamburgers, hot-dogs, baked beans, chips and dessert.

For each donated item of non-perishable food for the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico, Welker said, people will receive a 25-cent ticket to use for games or food.

Proceeds are earmarked for scholarships for children to participate in programming at the Portales Recreation Center.

“I’d a lot rather see the kids doing that than out on the street getting into trouble,” Welker said.

Parking will be at the city softball complex, and a shuttle will be available, Welker said.

Welker also said she’s still in need of volunteers, who will be provided a free dinner.

Senior center Director Dawn Kryder said she broached the idea of a carnival to the senior citizens because in this economy, many people can’t afford to take their children to the county fair. She wanted a low-cost activity about fun and family, she said.

Welker said the senior citizens thought it was something they could do for the community, and they were interested in helping the Recreation Center.