Valentine’s Day presents all sorts of ways to celebrate the Day of Love, and Maple Grove Covenant Church offers a chance for friends and family members to gather in fun at a carnival-themed celebration.
Open to the public, the church’s annual Valentine’s Carnival is set from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. February 9. “The carnival is filled with a variety of games for all ages, with prizes at each stall,” Carrie Law says. “There is a photo booth, cake walk and inflatables. We also have a corner dedicated to the toddlers, complete with their own little bounce house. Kids love the silly hair stand and the fish pond, as well.”
Live entertainment will include a magician, professional face painting and a balloon artist, who makes animals, balloon hats and other funny shapes.
“We see over 450 people during the three-hour period, and the number usually climbs each year as word of mouth spreads,” Law says. That’s quite a crowd on a day with plenty of options. “We offer something for everyone,” she says. “The teens enjoy basketball toss, Skee-ball and inflatable horse racing, as the little ones anticipate choosing a sucker from the Lollypop Tree and choosing their favorite pig to win at Pig Racing (not real pigs). It also is a wallet friendly event, as we try to keep the costs to a minimum.”
While tried and true carnival games will be offered, there just might be a new game in town. “Every year, we add a new element,” Law says. “You will have to come to see what it is this year! A few years ago, we had Throw a Pie at the Pastor, which was popular.”
Nobody should go home hungry. Food and beverage options include sno-cones, cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs, soft drinks and nachos. Last year featured mini doughnuts, but there could be a new item making its debut!
Attending the carnival is free, but game tickets are 25 cents and are available in advance at church or at the carnival.
Maple Grove Covenant Church
9350 Upland Lane N.
763.494.3233
