Community Spirit Comes Alive at Saturday Live
Article by Brooke Wagner
Photos courtesy of Education Foundation
Every year, the vibrant atmosphere of Saturday Live draws families, friends, and community members together for a day of laughter, games, and unforgettable memories. This beloved event provides entertainment and serves a crucial purpose: raising funds to support programs and activities within School District 2. Saturday Live is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Billings Public Schools and the Education Foundation. School groups from across the district host booths filled with everything from face painting to dunking booths, using the money raised to help with field trips, playground equipment, new classroom technology, and other needs.
Held this year on Saturday, September 28, Saturday Live makes its debut at a brand new location - MetraPark. Kelly McCandless, Executive Director of the Education Foundation, had this to say about the change: “I took over at the Education Foundation 3 years ago. I attended Saturday Live as a little girl and have very fond memories of the event. And I've taken my own children over the years as well. The event is seeing its most drastic change this year as we move it indoors to MetraPark. We loved the event in Pioneer Park, but unpredictable weather made it so hard for us to reliably raise funds for our schools. By moving indoors, we take the weather factor out of the equation, and hopefully, the amount we can raise will grow even higher!”
McCandless says one of her favorite parts about the event is watching staff, students, families, and community members unite for the district’s schools. She says, “It is truly wonderful to be able to offer a quality fundraising opportunity. Our community loves to come to the event, so it’s a win-win. The kids having fun, the adults playing games - it's beloved by the community and that makes us happy!” The fundraising goals depend on the needs of each individual booth, school, or team represented, with 100% of the profits raised going to their cause. Elementary schools usually focus on funds to enhance their buildings and classrooms. This year, an entire 5th grade from Eagle Cliff Elementary is working to raise money for a class trip! Sports teams or competition groups might man a booth to fundraise for travel, gear, or uniforms.
The day kicks off at 9:30 with a Fun Run, a friendly race around the Metra open to all ages. A unique first-time feature of this year’s run is a splash of color! Sponsored by Scheels, the Color Run invites participants to walk or run in the crisp morning air while being tossed with brightly colored powder as they make their way through the course. It’s not too late to register for the Color Run and start your day with a custom-made colorful shirt to wear to the rest of the event’s festivities.
No carnival is complete without food; this one offers an impressive selection. Local vendors will serve everything from hot dogs and nachos to ice cream and baked goods. Local entertainment is on tap throughout the day, entertaining guests and showcasing talents in the district and beyond. This collaboration helps bridge the gap between the schools and the community, reminding us that the education of our district’s students is a shared responsibility. Families attending the carnival often report that it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with teachers and other parents outside the classroom. Kids make new friends, and the event fosters a spirit of camaraderie among attendees.
The annual school fundraising carnival is more than just a day of fun; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and commitment to education. As laughter echoes across the Metra grounds and the scent of delicious treats fills the air, it’s clear that this cherished event plays a vital role in enriching the lives of students and the broader community. With every ticket sold and every game played, everyone contributes to building a brighter future for the school and its students. Here’s to another successful Saturday Live filled with joy and generosity!
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