For the fifth year, Manteo Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization has pulled out all the stops to bring a Winter Wonderland to town.

This fundraising event will take place after the Christmas parade on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend this fun-filled day, complete with food trucks, craft vendors, games and Santa Claus himself.

Lori Warrender, MES PTO president, said this has become the school’s biggest fundraiser over the years. “We have gotten a lot of help from our team,” she said. Without the teamwork of this organization, the event would not be possible.

Warrender has served as an officer with the PTO for three years; this is her first year serving as president. The former teacher is a mom to two children who both attend MES. “Teachers need support and money and that’s what we are here to do,” she said.

This year, the PTO has received an enormous amount of support from their sponsors. Warrender shared that the organization received a donation from Kellogg Supply for $1,000. Grace Bodywork Therapy, Cozy Kitchens Group, First Flight Adventure Park, Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café, Mollie A. Fearing & Associates, OBX Chevrolet Buick and Oceans East have also donated to help the MES PTO put on fundraisers such as Winter Wonderland.

Santa Claus will also make an appearance at the festival for picture taking and to find out what everyone wants for Christmas.

Local vendors such as OBX Frozen Yogurt, Fork’et Me Not food truck and Garden Deli will provide some frosty treats and hearty meals. Special volunteers are devoting their day to performing for all who attend, such as Joe Bowling and “The Impossible Chris.”

Chris Kram by day and the “The Impossible Chris” by night has volunteered to perform magic for his audience on the day of Winter Wonderland. He is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and also a member of Magic and Mystery School out in Las Vegas. Kram brings visual entertainment to life through his alluring tricks and captivating props. His performance is sure to leave you in wonder.

“Every year we keep building this event,” Warrender said. Along with Bowling, Kram and the food vendors, the PTO has gathered over 20 craft vendors to come out. They will also hold a silent auction, dollar raffle and have face-painting and a bouncy house for the kids.

Last year, this fundraiser helped fulfill all requests from the teachers with the money raised. The PTO is hoping for a similar outcome this year. To learn more about this event or the MES PTO, visit their website at www.mes.daretolearn.org.

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