By By Faith Meador Cameron / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The sun was shining brightly over the grounds of West Woods of Niles on Saturday afternoon, as residents and their families enjoyed an outdoor carnival.
Used as a fundraiser for the activity department to fund extra activities and supplies throughout the coming year, the carnival is set up for family and friends to enjoy along with the residents.
Area merchants contributed generous donations for the raffle, and the staff from all departments of the facility was on hand to help with the various stations of the carnival.
Perhaps one of the nicest additions to the carnival this year was the "oldies" music piped over the speakers provided by radio station WNIL of Niles, with DJ Ric Clingaman in attendance.
The public address system was beneficial throughout the carnival, for various announcements of upcoming activities, and the raffle drawings.
Roseann Hass enjoyed the carnival with her three children, and was pleased that there was such a variety of activities for them.
Haas' mother, Dorothy, has worked at West Woods for about 15 years and was also in charge of the carnivals prize booth.
Resident Alice Kuemin was taking in as much of the sunshine as she could in one day, and was all smiles as family members wheeled her around in her wheel chair. Other residents were trying their hand at some of the games.
, such as Lindel Walston who especially enjoyed the golf challenge game.
Niles Township Fire Department Lt. Bruce Vosburgh has been at each of the carnivals, and was on hand to show off the large Quint fire engine this year. The truck performs the duty of five other fire engines, thus the name. Children and adults alike were amazed as firefighter Marc Brandon raised the 75-foot ladder high in the air. Vosburgh encouraged onlookers to sit up in the front seat of the fire truck, or check out all the valves and knobs shining on the sides of the large vehicle.
Another favorite booth for the children was the face painting. Ashleigh Hamrick, activity aide at the facility, added fun and color for several hours, dressed appropriately in a clown outfit.
Juggling, dunk tanks and a small petting zoo that featured ducks and goats kept attendees delighted throughout the day. Facility Administrator, Rick Ackerman said it best at the close of the carnival when he spoke his gratitude for all who participated.
A wonderful day, a beautiful blue sky with the sunshine beaming down, and smiles that could not be measured all added up to another successful carnival at West Woods of Niles.