The inside of Patrick Hamilton Elementary will more closely resemble a boardwalk than a place of learning on Thursday night, as the school will host its annual PTO Carnival from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Children will be able to play games like bingo, beanbag toss and other carnival-like activities throughout the elementary school. As the name suggests, the school’s Parent Teacher Organization will run the event, with around 30 to 40 volunteers organizing the activities, said Principal Heather Nash.

“We normally have around 300 parents and kids show up each year,” Nash said. “It’s a very big event. The school gets quite crowded most years.”

The PTO has been sponsoring the event since Patrick Hamilton opened six years ago, carrying it over from the old McKinley Elementary School, Nash said.

Children will be able to purchase tickets at the door for 25 cents, which can be used for individual games and activities. Like most traditional carnival games, winners will receive prizes such as eye patches, compasses, candy, sticky toys, and model airplanes, Nash said.

This year, the organizers will be adding a couple new events to the festivities, including bouncy-ball relay race, a squirt-gun competition and a tattoo station.

“We want to try and keep things interesting for the kids who came previously,” Nash said.

Patrick Hamilton teachers will also hold a cakewalk during the evening, an old favorite from other carnival nights, Nash said.

“The kids love that event,” Nash said. “They play it over and over throughout the night.”

Money collected from this event and others sponsored by the PTO will go toward various school projects, such as paying for new technology or field trips. In the past, the PTO has funded projects such as the construction of new playground equipment, the purchase of smart boards and walkie-talkies for staff.

“We’ve never had to turn down a class field trip due to lack of funding,” Nash said.

Despite the fact it’s held at Patrick Hamilton, Nash said children from all over the community are welcome to participate Thursday night.

“We always have a great time,” she said. “It’s a great way to give back and enjoy a fun and eventful evening.”