On Saturday, May 3rd, the Mary Bird Early Childhood Education Center campus came alive with laughter, music, and the cheerful sounds of community celebration as the school hosted its 2nd Annual Spring Fling Carnival. This free event welcomed nearly 400 families for an unforgettable afternoon filled with fun, food, and family-friendly activities—all designed to bring people together and celebrate the spirit of community.
Families enjoyed a variety of carnival-style games such as fishing, ball toss, and knock-down challenges, while creative stations like face painting, seed planting, crown making, and balloon animals offered something special for every child. A photo booth gave families the opportunity to capture the day and take home a treasured keepsake.
Additionally, attendees enjoyed delicious treats - like hot dogs, cookies, popcorn, and snow cones. Adding to the excitement were Christine the Pink Fire Truck and a medic ambulance, both on hand for kids to explore and learn about.
"I love this free carnival because it gives our families something truly special—time together without the weight of financial pressure," shared Carla Avila, Mary Bird Secretary and de facto event planner. "In a world where everything feels so expensive, this event is a heartfelt reminder that joy, laughter, and lasting memories don’t have to come with a price tag. It was our way of helping families relax, reconnect, and celebrate what really matters: quality time, community, and our children’s happiness. Our entire school staff came together with heart and purpose to create a magical day for every student and family in attendance. We are also incredibly grateful to the community outreach professionals who showed up with open hearts to support our low-income families. This event was a beautiful reflection of what we can accomplish when we come together for something greater than ourselves."
In addition to the fun, the event featured a range of community resources to support families, including booths from the district’s Family Resource Center, Solano County Library, and Help Me Grow.
The event was made possible by the incredible efforts of nearly the entire Mary Bird staff, who volunteered their time to create a memorable experience for students and their siblings. Additional volunteers from Rodriguez High School and Early College High School pitched in to help make the day a success.
As the school year winds down, events like the Spring Fling Carnival are a reminder of the power of connection, kindness, and shared joy—and how a school community can truly shine when it works as one.