BearFest is Buckalew PTO’s largest spring fundraiser and community celebration! This exciting event brings together students, families, teachers, and staff for an evening filled with games, entertainment, raffle prizes, food, and unforgettable memories. Funds raised from BearFest directly support student programs, campus enhancements, teacher support, technology, and enriching experiences that benefit every Buckalew student When you attend BearFest, you’re not just having fun — you’re investing in our school.
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Wrist Bands
- $12 presale online
- $15 at the door
- Everyone over the age of 3 needs to purchase a wristband to enter the carnival
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Tickets
- $10 for 10 tickets
- They can be used for kid raffle, purchasing concession items, or to sing karaoke
- Additional ticket bundles can be purchased at the event.
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Concessions + Karaoke
8 Tickets - Rudy's BBQ Sandwiches
4 Tickets - Pizza
4 Tickets - Nachos
3 Tickets - Popcorn
3 Tickets - Cotton Candy
3 Tickets - Blue Bell Ice Cream
2 Tickets - Water
3 Tickets - Gatorade/Soda
5 Tickets - Karaoke
Buy Now + Save Big
Admission wristbands are required for every person over the age of three. Admission includes access to all entertainment and games, excluding Karaoke. Take advantage of our Early Bird Admission Sales from March 6th – March 19th. During this time admission is reduced!! Pre-sale wristbands will be delivered to classrooms and sent home with your student.
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Online Silent Auction
Silent Auction Opens: Sunday, March 15 at 10:00 AM
Silent Auction Closes: March 19 at 9:00 PM
Be sure to check our social media for updates and previews of silent auction items!
Invoices will be generated upon closing and payment must be made before item pickup.
All Silent Auction items will need to be picked up AT BEARFEST!
*Read dates carefully! Some items apply for this year and others are for the 2026-2027 school year.*
Kids Raffle
The Kids Raffle is one of the most exciting parts of BearFest week! Students will preview raffle items at school the week leading up to BearFest and may place raffle tickets into the bins of their choice during the week.
Raffle Opens: Monday March 16th
Raffle Closes: Friday at 2:00 PM (before BearFest)
Winners Drawn & Announced at BearFest on March 20th. Some of this year’s amazing raffle prizes include
KIDS RAFFLE
- PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch Lite
- 3D Printer
- Hoverboard
- Crazy Cart
- LEGO Sets (101 Dalmatians + Flower Bouquet)
- Fujifilm Mini Camera
- Slushie Maker
- DIY Tattoo Maker
- Sensory Science Kit
- Jellycat Large Teddy Bear
- Glow in the Dark Capture the Flag
- ZipString...and many more!
Students place tickets into the prize bin of their choice for a chance to win.
IMPORTANT: All tickets must come to school labeled with student’s first name, last name and parents phone number before being dropped into the raffle item bins.
Carnival Activities
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Class Booths
Grade-Level Booths (Hosted by Each Grade)
Each grade is running a themed booth (2 tents per grade) including:
• 4th Grade – Spray Paint Hair
• 3rd Grade – Tattoos
• 2nd Grade – Football Toss
• 1st Grade – Hole-in-One Putt-Putt
• Kindergarten – Soda Bottle Toss
All booths will be located at Lakeside Fields. -
Entertainment
- DJ + Karaoke
- Stand-Up Comedy & Juggling Show
- Learning Zoo
- Marsha's Ponies
- Coach Deon Basketball Demonstrations
- i9 Soccer Skills
- Bubble Stations
- Gaga Ball
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Rides
• Dixie Swing
• Rock Wall
• Trampoline
• Game Truck
• Wipe Out
• Moon Walk
• Obstacle Course
• Sports Inflatables (Basketball Shoot Out, Radar Baseball, Axe Throwing)
FAQs
What are raffle tickets used for?
Raffle tickets purchased will be used for the kids raffle taking place at Buckalew in the
days leading up to BearFest, March 16th- 2 PM on March 20th. In addition, all
concessions at BearFest are purchased with raffle tickets.
When is the Gym Ribbon Cutting?
The ribbon cutting will be at the conclusion of our event, with the ceremony beginning at 7:00 PM.
How many tickets should I buy?
See concessions ticket pricing above!
Can I drop off my child?
No, all children MUST be accompanied by an adult for the event.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
We would love to have your help and have lots of opportunities! Please look out for emails with links to our sign up genius and connect with your Room Mom for more information.
Reminders
- Buy your wristbands and raffle items in advance online.
- They will be for sale until March 19th.
- Walk or bike to the Event
- There is no parking on site during the Carnival
- Park along the street or at Lakeside Park
- Volunteer!!!! It’s a free hour where you are not responsible for chasing after your own child.
- Shop the Online Silent Auction for some awesome deals where 100% of the proceeds goes back to Buckalew!
Important Dates at Glance
March 6th - Online ticket and admission sales open and can be purchased on this website.
March 15th (Sunday) - Online Silent Auction opens at 10 AM
March 16th - March 20th: Kids Raffle Students will be able to preview all items on Monday March 16th and will be able to drop their raffle tickets March 17th until 2 PM on March 20th. All students will need to bring their labeled raffle tickets with student first and last name and parent email when dropping their raffle tickets.All winners will be drawn and announced at BearFest!
March 19th - Online Silent Auction Closes at 9 PM
March 20 - BEARFEST DAY - Event runs 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM BearFest will conclude with our raffle winners being announced and a ribbon cutting for the GRAND OPENING of our new gym!