BROOKINGS – The fun is still six weeks away, but Hillfest organizers are well into planning, fundraising, rounding up volunteers and selling tickets for the 30th annual event.

The annual PTA-sponsored fundraising carnival will be held at Hillcrest Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1.

This longstanding family-friendly fundraiser generates thousands of dollars and boasts children’s carnival games throughout the school, raffle prizes for all ages, and a variety of concessions.

For 30 years, proceeds from Hillfest have directly benefited the students and classrooms at Hillcrest by funding curriculum-based family fun nights, Artist-in-Residence programs, extracurricular foreign language classes, and field trips. Proceeds are also used to purchase books, playground equipment, and supplies for teachers and other staff.

“Without Hillfest each year, our PTA simply would not be able to provide some of these excellent educational opportunities for the students,” said Maureen Logue, event co-chairperson. “Our PTA organization really does a lot here at Hillcrest, but we can only continue to do those things when Hillfest is a success.”

Kids will enjoy playing old favorites such as Pitch for Prizes, Minnow Races, Hillfest 500, Toilet Paper Toss and Cake Walk, among others. New this year are Flying Frisbee, Wiffle Ball Toss and Leap Frog, and returning after a short absence is the wildly-popular Soak the Staff, where players can take aim at the school principal and other staff with water-soaked sponges … all in good fun, of course.

The Hillfest event is open to the public and isn’t just for kids. It’s become a well-attended communitywide tradition that children and families really look forward to, and to celebrate the event’s 30th anniversary, organizers hope that this year’s event will be bigger than ever.

The Hillfest raffle features more than 100 prizes that appeal to people of all ages. Lunch, including walking tacos, hot dogs and other snacks, will be available for purchase in the school lunchroom.

Ticket prices remain unchanged for 2017: 20 cents per ticket if purchased before April 1, and 25 cents each when purchased during the event. Tickets are used to play all games, as well as to purchase concessions and raffle chances.

“We are so grateful to the dedicated volunteers and generous donors who make Hillfest happen. We literally need hundreds of helpers, so we rely on Hillfest families, community members, student groups and service organizations to make it all happen. We’ve got a duty for everyone who’s willing to help,” said Trish Matson Buus, Hillfest 2017 volunteer coordinator and publicity chairperson.

“Again this year, we’re especially thankful for the partnership with SDSU’s LeadState students, who will be providing up to 240 volunteer hours during the event,” said Matson Buus, who also serves as Hillcrest’s current PTA president.

“Another big bonus this year is partnering with five SDSU students from an Events and Facilities Administration class. For one of their assignments, they are working closely with the Hillfest team to help plan, implement and evaluate the event.”

For updates and contests for free Hillfest tickets, stay tuned to the “Hillfest 2017 carnival!” event page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/events/235994893511713).

To volunteer or donate, or for more information, call Hillcrest Elementary School at 696-4600.