Carnival brings children, raises awareness

Wonka’s Chocolate Carnival started at 3 p.m., and within the first half hour, there were at least 100 volunteers, parents and children in the Boys & Girls Club.  

The “chocolate river,” symbolized by a chocolate fondue fountain, was the main course offered at the carnival. Children of all ages gathered around the table and dipped strawberries, cherries, pineapple, marshmallows and pretzels into the gooey chocolate.

“Interacting with kids is the best part,” junior and booth volunteer Kyle Smythe said. “I’m a secondary education major. I’m used to being with older kids, so I’m looking forward to helping some younger kids today.”

Samantha Meadows, an Amethyst House program coordinator, decided to dress up as Willy Wonka and work the cotton candy machine. She said she was excited to see
the event finally take shape.

“So many people do so many different things, and it’s fun to see all the pieces come together,” she said.

This is the fourth year Amethyst House has put on Wonka’s Chocolate Carnival. The carnival is completely volunteer-run, and the event helps raise awareness of Amethyst House’s mission to provide sober living for individuals, families and communities impacted by addictions and substance abuse.

“This event is as much for fundraising as it is for outreach,” said Brian Garvey, Amethyst House board member and volunteer. “Amethyst House is in its 30th year, and hundreds of people’s road to recovery began with Amethyst.”

Amethyst House offers a range of outpatient addiction services for people dealing with alcohol, drug or gambling issues. The organization focuses on helping patients live a clean and sober life.

“Amethyst House is really about recovery and helping people establish their lives after addiction,” said Kristin Wolfe, Amethyst House board member and marketing coordinator.

Wolfe said the carnival provides specific outreach methods to attract interested visitors, including an Amethyst House information booth and goody bags given to children with information about Amethyst House.

Garvey said it is important to educate children on Amethyst House’s mission so they will inform their parents of what they have learned. Once parents and family members learn about Amethyst House, they can utilize its services if needed.

Executive Director Mark DeLong said talking to different schools was an effective way to pique children’s interests. About six or seven thousand fliers advertising Wonka’s Chocolate Carnival were distributed to elementary schools before the event.

“We like to go into the schools and tell them what Amethyst House is all about so they can learn more about us about the carnival,” DeLong said.