By SCOTT MIMS / Staff Writer 

The Christmas season keeps people busy, but whether you need to grab a bite to eat, do some holiday gift shopping or find something for the kiddies, you will find all of it at Creek View Elementary School’s Winter Wonderland fundraiser Friday, Dec. 6.

The event is organized by the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization and will take place from 6-9 p.m. Admission is either $5 per person or $20 per family.

Room Parent Coordinator Lindsey Colvin explained that funds raised from the event will chiefly go toward constructing an inclusive playground for the school, which means equipment will be accessible to children with disabilities.

“We had one in the past, but it has fallen into disrepair,” Colvin said.

Other areas that will benefit from the fundraiser include the General Fund Budget—which helps supply students with everyday supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels and more—and the Teacher Spring Supply Fund. A “basket auction” will go toward the latter, Colvin explained. In the past, the basket auction has included items such as a football autographed by Nick Saban or Atlanta Braves tickets.

“We’re really excited,” Colvin said. “This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. Everything we profit from; all the proceeds actually go back into the school.”

A variety of dinner options will be available from several local food trucks. At the same time, kids in attendance can enjoy doing some Christmas-themed crafts and playing games. Kids can also get a balloon animal and have fun in a bouncy house.

Adults in the crowd will have a chance to knock out some Christmas shopping thanks to vendors. They will also find a few deals at the basket auction.

And if the little ones have been begging to see Santa Claus before Christmas, there’s no need to stand in line at the mall; Santa will be on hand for holiday photos as well.

This year’s event sponsors are LJ’s Retail Therapy and Mortgage Right. Also, Beth Kinnell is the event coordinator.

The fundraiser is open to the general public. Creek View Elementary is located at 8568 Shelby County 17, Maylene.