With a fundraising target of $80,000 the Northport Elementary School Winter Fair kicked off the School Council Committee's Playground Modernization Project January 26 at the Plex in Port Elgin.

Hub Staff

Over 300 people attended Northport Elementary School's inaugural Winter Fair fundraiser, which was held at The Plex in Port Elgin January 26 and raised $3,640 towards the school's Playground Modernization Project.

The Northport Elementary School Council Committee (NESCC) are aiming to reach their goal of $80,000 over the next two years to upgrade and install new playground equipment, said NESCC member Lindsay Moffatt. “The sandbox desperately needs sand, the swings need to be repaired, so we're looking at things until we can hit our $80,000 mark and get a playground but we know that's going to take up to two years for us to do,” she said.

Purchasing new soccer nets is the first phase of the Playground Modernization Project as the old ones had recently been removed as they were deemed unsafe, said Moffatt.

The day of fun for the whole family included free skating downstairs and a host of other activities upstairs in the Rotary Hall including face painting, giant bubbles, a photo booth and snacks such as popcorn and cookies. The event was by donation with many businesses and organizations donating goods and services and items for a raffle. "Everyone donates, this town is amazing,” said Moffatt.

Several carnival games were also part of the Winter Fair with École Port Elgin Saugeen Central School's SCC donating many of the items used.

The Fair also had a 'Build Your Dream Playground' station where children could draw their own playground ideas. “Part of getting a playground is community consultation,” explained Moffatt. “Here's where the kids let us know what they want to see in their playground, so they've got colouring sheets and magazines to choose from," she explained.

Moffatt said their next fundraiser for the project will be an adult only Trivia Night at Lakeshore Recreation in April. “That's all we have planned for this year,” she said. “Our main goal was to get these two kicked off, get some money coming and really plan next year this year, so next year we can just go," she said.

Port Elgin locals, 6 year old Avery (top) and 4 year old Leyna were having fun with some of the carnival games.

Parent volunteer Terri McBride puts some artistic touches to the face of 8 year old Maielle.

Northport Elementary School Vice Principal Wendy Cumming was having some skating fun at the Northport Winter Fair January 26 with daughter Cayden (left) and niece and nephew Ruby and Emmett.

With over 300 people attending, Northport Elementary School Council Committee members had a busy day at the Winter Fair fundraiser. From left, Jenn Styles, Krystal Menage, Sara Yeaman, Lindsay Moffatt, Michelle Kay-Scott, Sue Desormeaux and Melissa Atkinson. Submitted photo

10 Year old Jadyn was engulfed in a huge bubble, courtesy of The Main Event in Port Elgin.

Families took to the ice at The Plex in Port Elgin for some free skating, part of Northport's Winter Fair fundraiser January 26.

Celebrating his second birthday this week was Luca who, along with his dad Justin Mathias, dressed up with some props for the photo booth courtesy of Joseph J Entertainment.

9 Year old Eldon was putting his ideas down on paper as to what he would like to see as part of Northport Elementary School's playground at the 'Build Your Dream Playground' station.

From left, Emily (11), Kate (11) and Chloe (10) were busy handing out cookies, donated by Giant Tiger, to guests at the Northport Winter Fair fundraiser January 26 in Port Elgin.

Rotary Winterama's Bearama was getting in some skating practice at The Plex ahead of the upcoming 17th annual Rotary Winterama February 9.

Volunteer Lisa Martin was manning the bake sale where some tasty treats donated from school community members could be purchased.