Keekli Reporter, 31st May, 2014, Shimla
Auckland House School Carnival was held here today as the event was declared open by Principal, Auckland House School for Boys, Michael A. John. He thoroughly enjoyed the Fete as he walked around the ground inspecting each and every stall. After trying his hand at a couple of games he commended the School for the excellent arrangements. He praised the management, staff and all the students whose hard work was evident from the show. The Carnival, an annual event on the School Calendar, saw students, children, parents and friends all together having loads of fun. There was something for everyone. Director-Principal Sunita John said, “Both boys and girls school together have joined hands in organizing this event. All the staff members have worked hard in setting up their respective stalls with help from students. Students from various schools in Shimla also visited the Carnival and graced the occasion by their presence”.
The school ground was enveloped with colourful tents that housed various stalls offering everything from mouth watering eatables to different types of game stalls. The event began with the ribbon opening by Principal John who was accompanied with Principal Sunita John, a few teachers and three cute and funny jokers from Class IX – Niharika Bansal, Sunita Raina and Riya Nair. They added a touch of entertainment in the event and something fun for the young tiny tots roaming the grounds around with their parents.
If the games stalls were hard to get to because of long lines, so were the ticket counters. Though counters had been put up around the ground but the rush was maddening. Despite the fact there were lots to play on but still one had to wait quite a few minutes before they could try their luck at any games. The most famous ones were the Rings, Lucky Dip, Fishing the Bottle, Bouncing the Ball, Splat the Ball, Passing the Ball, Horse Race, Ball Through the Tyre, Knocking the Tins and Lucky Seven. Nominal charge for all games was another highlight of the Carnival. Nothing felt too heavy on the pockets.
A special Computer Zone was also set up, with coloured prints of cards and bookmarks on sale, colouring worksheets and posters for little ones and the main attraction was the Computer Games, which saw huge line of boys trying to get their turns.
Mouthwatering eateries such as Channa Bhatura, Gol Gappas, Bhel Puri, Tikka Parantha, Noodle, Momos, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Patties, Brownies, sumptuous Non-Veg Biryani, mouth melting Pav Bhaji, Popcorns, Sandwiches, Ice Creams and Juices were available in abundance and attracted quite a lot of crowd quenching their hunger and thirst.
The teachers had also put up a crafts stall selling handmade items made with the help of children. This included button magnets, painted tile coasters, painted glass decorations, handbags, wall hangings and much more.
Another section which had long queues was the Tattoos, Mehndi and Face Painting stalls. It was amazing to see how both boys and girls lined up waiting for almost half an hour to get their favourite tattoos. Whether it was a flower design, dragons or bats they clearly made way on the faces of all the kids, all happily flaunting them.
One silent corner, away from the hustle and bustle of the ground was the Tambola table. Huddled around it were the parents, especially moms who were quietly and earnestly striking the numbers that were being announced.
Taking a break from their stall duties teachers too tried their hand at games. Sheetal Mam of Class 2 and Rupali Mam from Class 7 were seen playing the Passing the Ball. It was a moment of joy and carefree celebration for all.
The final attraction of the Carnival was the Raffle Draw – the 1st prize was a Refrigerator, 2nd an OTG, 3rd an Induction Heater, 4th a Juicer Mixer Grinder and 5th a Gents Suit Length. Parents in unison had only one thing to say “We are having lots of fun being out here, thank to the weather Gods, it is like a mini picnic with our kids”. Though the elderly had a problem as they looked for spots to rest their legs as their wards freely roamed around bringing back goodies in form of eateries or prizes won.
The Carnival was a grand success, followed by jubilation’s as the School closed for the Summer Break!!!