Holiday festival raises funds for Mercer students

MERCER, Wis. - The Mercer Parent Teacher Student Association offered tricks and treats for Halloween revelers Saturday with its annual Loonacy Fest held at the Mercer School.

Students worked to transform the school into a "Halloween extravaganza," a news release said. Each class was responsible for a game room, with proceeds raised going to class treasuries.

Attendees enjoyed games like a cake and pie walk, a silent auction, bingo, a Halloween cafe and other holiday-themed activities.

"Thanks to the ingenious efforts of Mercer firemen Rich Barbetti and James Schmidt, the technology education room was transformed into the well-renowned haunted house," said Deanna Pierpont, Mercer School Board treasurer. "Each year the firemen work their construction magic and a haunted house materializes."

A new addition to this year's festival was a "Jail 'n' Bail' fundraiser presented by the freshmen class. Four "jails" were set up and teachers, citizens and students did time until they raised enough money to be bailed out. "This event was a huge success, and one of the events that will be seen annually," Pierpont said.

Proceeds from Loonacy Fest benefit PTSA programs including Scholastic books, Santa's Workshop and the group's open house.

"PTSA officers Kelly Joustra, Christine Barton, Missy Klopatek and Tracey Heleniak thank everyone for making the Loonacy Fest the best ever," Pierpont said.

For more information on the Mercer PTSA, call Joustra at 715-476-2324.