After taking a year off due to the pandemic, the popular Wildcat Carnival is back with plenty of games and food for everyone to enjoy.

The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Sedona School.

“The West Sedona PTA is so excited to be able to do the Carnival this year,” said Melissa Cristallo, Wildcat Carnival chairwoman. “We have had this event for over 29 years. Last year was the first year we had to skip it, which was so sad for us and all the students.

“Every year more than 3,000 people attend the carnival from Sedona and the surrounding communities. It really has become more then just the largest fundraiser the PTA will have, but a community event. We are so happy to have students from the junior and senior high school be a part of it as well”

Students from different clubs such as the National Honor Society, Key Club and Student Council will volunteer at the event all day.

The Sedona Red Rock High School swim team will be running the dunk tank, with everyone on the team, including the coaches, sitting in the tank switching out every half hour. Every ticket they get will be counted up and the PTA will be giving a check for the final amount of tickets earned.

In addition to the dunk tank there will be face painting, carnival games, bungee jumps, jumping castle, a super slide and pumpkin carving contests.

Aside from the games, there is a silent auction with items donated by local merchants and restaurants.

While admission is free, each booth for games, rides and food requires tickets, which can be purchased for 50 cents apiece.

Tickets are on sale two weeks before the event at West Sedona School and online at westsedonapta.com. If you buy tickets early you will receive bonus tickets.

All proceeds from this event benefit West Sedona School including educational materials for STEM, classroom/office supplies and hosting community-building events for their students and families.