Local vendors and non-profits join together for a day of family fun and entertainment
By ALMA CULVERWELL — city@theaggie.org
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis (UUCD) held their third annual Davis Community Carnival on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the UUCD campus.
The event was free and open to the public of all ages and hosted attractions including live music, carnival games, bounce houses, a water slide and food vendors. Additionally, the event featured booths from local non-profits, and attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the STEAC food drive.
Special guests for the event included Pine Trails Ranch, Davis Local Vocals, Zim Cuisine and Kona Ice. Pine Trails Ranch brought a horse and a pony for children to meet and pet, offering both a fun activity and a gentle introduction to animals that some might otherwise find intimidating. Michelle Haseltine, the head trainer and riding instructor for Pine Trails Ranch, explained her experience working at the event.
“[The UUCD] got in touch with me to see if we would help with something fun for the kids at the carnival,” Hasetline said. “We bring a horse and a pony to events to allow people to touch and pet the animals, and to learn that they are not something they should fear. We want the kids to learn that horses are gentle if we work with them in a sensible and kind way.”
For Pine Trails Ranch, the carnival also highlighted the positive impact animals can have on people.
“We really enjoy watching people respond to the animals,” Hasetline said. “The kids are sometimes uncertain at first and then become more relaxed and confident and find they really enjoy petting the horses. Horses have a great ability to reduce stress and encourage us to be calm.”
Kona Ice also joined in the festivities, serving shaved ice to attendees throughout the afternoon. Nancy Saechao of Kona Ice described her experience working the event.
“It was a pleasure serving at the event,” Saechao said. “The people were friendly and welcoming.”
Similar to Pine Trails Ranch, Kona Ice viewed the carnival as an opportunity to encourage community members to come together.
“I see Kona as a community builder: bringing people together while enjoying a shaved ice,” Saechao said. “What better way to have fun while keeping the community cool during a hot day?”
Saechao also explained how events like the carnival allow Kona Ice to strengthen ties with Davis residents.
“Events like this offer Kona exposure and a chance to interact with the public, […] allowing us to showcase our product,” Saechao said.
The event also provided a tabling space for over 20 local non-profits — including the California Raptor Center, Friends of Yolo County Animal Services, The Phoenix Coalition, Redbud Montessori and more.
Redbud Montessori, a nonprofit preschool and kindergarten in Davis which has leased its school building from the UUCD for 41 years, joined in festivities by offering face painting and tabling for children.
Karen Gill, the director of Redbud Montessori, explained the school’s involvement in the event. Currently enrolling up to 36 children, Redbud Montessori operates as a full-day, five days per week program for children ages 3 to 6. The school employs eight teachers, five of whom are Redbud Montessori-trained, and offers a seven-week summer camp.
“We did face painting for the children that attended the carnival,” Gill said. “We had six teachers present who face painted and talked with the families about our school. Parents were kind and attentive.”
Beyond the booth, Redbud Montessori staff also appreciated the overall energy present at the carnival. Gill commented on this sentiment.
“I loved the calm, beautiful atmosphere of the carnival,” Gill said. “The weather was great, the breeze was refreshing and everyone was in a good mood. There were a lot of booths this year, for all ages, that I feel everyone enjoyed.”
For Redbud Montessori, the carnival also reflected the spirit of community that upholds their mission as a non-profit, parent-cooperative preschool through kindergarten program.
Gill reflected on the deeper value of the event.
“The Community Carnival strengthens our community by making people aware of what is offered in Davis,” Gill said. “[It’s] a free, family-friendly event that my past, present and future Redbud families enjoyed. [It’s] a chance to get together to share ideas and celebrate our community.”
By Alma Culverwell— city@theaggie.org
