They were throwing axes, shooting arrows, jousting, dunking teachers and lots more at the Sherman Central School Carnival earlier this month.

The end-of-year carnival was held at the Sherman football field from 6 to 8 p.m. June 12. Not only were there a plethora of fun activities, but several organizations, such as the Sheriff’s Department, Stanley Hose Co., Boy Scouts and the Minerva Library were on hand to share information about their activities.

And as if that weren’t enough, there was also a petting zoo, games, popcorn and hot dogs, and great music for all to enjoy.

Also, one must not forget the inflatable entertainment. In addition to the giant slide, the obstacle course and the bounce house, there were several sport-related inflatables, including jousting, archery, axe throwing, basketball, and football toss.

“I was so pleased with the incredible turnout of families at our end-of-year school carnival,” said Sherman Principal Leslie Melquist. “It was wonderful to see our school community come together to celebrate the close of another successful year.”

The event was organized by the school’s Family And Community Event (F.A.C.E.) Team. “The purpose of the Family and Community Event Team is to create meaningful opportunities for families and the school community to come together in support of our students,” Melquist said. “I really feel the team provided another successful evening for our families and school community to enjoy together.”

Everyone was having fun. “Have you done the ax throwing yet?” one boy asked his friend. “You have to try it.”

Two girls in line for the bounce house were talking excitedly as they waited. “My favorite part was the face painting,” one said. The other replied, “I’ve only done one thing so far, but I’m going to do everything.”

The day was sunny and pleasant for everyone, except for school nurse JoAnn Kopta who was the “fall guy” perched above the barrel of water at the dunking booth. According to posts on Sherman’s Facebook page, “Mrs. JoAnn Kopta must have visited the bottom of the dunk tank at least 1,342 times!”

All of the stations were busy throughout the event. Some of the favorites included the petting zoo, which had two small goats, two bunnies and a basket of chicks, the giant slide and obstacle course, which maintained long lines, while the axe throwing and archery were new favorites.

But the longest line was probably the one for face painting. At least three painters were kept busy throughout the evening with kids happily displaying the artwork on their cheeks, foreheads and noses.

The whole event was effectively summed up by a young girl who ran up to her parents and said “This is so much fun! I love it! There’s so much to do!”