This event is put on completely by volunteers
in support of the students, teachers, and staff of Naomi L. Brooks Elementary.

Food and Vendors

What is included with the price of admission?

Almost everything! Kids will be able to hop and enjoy the Kidcreate Craft corner, bounce house, face painting, a photo booth, play unlimited carnival games and win prizes, obstacle course, and more. (See our map below for a complete list of activities (subject to change). Food will be available for purchase and is not included in the cost of admission.

Is the Bonanza carnival wristband $20 per PERSON?

No. Admission is free for adults, caregivers, and children under 2. The wristband allows children (2 and up) access to booths, games, activities, and prizes. Tickets (wristbands) are $20 per child until 5/22. The price for admission is $25 per child on 5/22 online and at the Bonanza entrance. Tickets can be purchased online in advance here.

How will we accommodate families who can’t afford it? 

The event committee is working with Ms. Lusk, our school social worker to distribute free wristbands to many of our Brooks families. The parents working the ticket booth on the day of the carnival have been instructed not to turn any children away. A free wristband will be provided to anyone who asks for it- no questions asked. 

Why isn’t this a free event?

The Bumblebee Bonanza is this year’s core fundraising event for the PTA. Proceeds from the event will fund year-end events, including field trips and end-of-year celebrations for students and staff that we were not sure ACPS would allow because of the pandemic. We are so excited to be able to fund these programs and events for our students and staff. Any additional funds raised will be put towards the 2022-2023 PTA budget.

In previous years, the PTA’s core fundraiser has always been the “Maury Gala” with ticket prices exceeding $50 per person. Our goal for this school year was to wait until the spring to hold an outdoor fundraiser in light of the pandemic. We also wanted to try out a family-friendly fundraising event that could be attended by parents, students, and staff and still be capable of generating funds to put towards programs for the students and staff of Naomi L. Brooks Elementary. In addition, as part of our “Bumblebee Bonanza” weekend, parents from each grade level are hosting free gatherings at their homes on Saturday, May 21 so parents can meet one another and enjoy a night out. 

The Brooks PTA has hosted or partnered on many free events and support for the Brooks community this school year including the Back to School Ice Cream Social, two free outdoor movie nights, Math Night, contributions to the school’s Extended Learning fund, after school tutoring, funding teacher mini-grants, teacher appreciation events, organizing class singing events, free yearbooks for all students, Virtual Winter Vacation Kickoff, Virtual Math Magic Show, and so much more.

Unfortunately, free general admission to this carnival event would eliminate several thousands of dollars from our fundraising goals for this school year and negatively impact our ability to support year-end events as well as programs planned for the early part of the next school year. If you have further questions about any of this, please feel free to contact Maya Mahoney.

I can’t afford childcare for the bumblebee parties. What do I do? 

We know that adults-only parties are tricky and inconvenient for many families. We made an effort to include an event for adults and an event for kids. Please give the event committee your feedback if we need to revisit this in the future.

Where do I pick up the wristband(s) I’ve purchased?

Wristbands will be available at the entrance to the Bonanza on 5/22 – you can just provide your name or your MemberHub order number.

Is there a rain date?

The Bonanza carnival is happening rain or shine! In the event of severe weather, we’ll provide updates.

What time is the event on Sunday, May 22?

The Bonanza will be from 1pm-4pm on the Brooks Elementary playground.

What food will be at the Bonanza?

We will have Rocklands BBQ Food Truck (which you can pre-order ahead of the Bonanza beginning 5/17 – information here), Uncle Kebba’s Lemonade, Goodies Frozen Treats, and a Concessions Snack Stand.

My child will be singing as part of the 4th/5th-grade performances. Do they have to pay to attend the Bonanza?

Participation in the concert is free! If your child would like to participate in the booths, games, or activities at the Bonanza they will need a wristband – that can be purchased here or at the gate on May 22.