My (Kevin) oldest son is a kindergartner at Parkade Elementary.  We also have a member, Christina Weaver, who is a fantastic teacher there.  Additionally, we have several students who volunteer there.  Also significant, my wife Amy is now the PTA President.  Well, today (Saturday) is Parkade's Spring Festival, and it's a special one in celebration of the school's 50th year.  There will be games and food and fun - all free (see note about canned goods below).  Amy has worked so hard coordinating everything, and the teachers and parents have been so kind and helpful.  Come on over today at noon and after for the bash.  Parkade is on Garth, north of I-70.  Karis will be heavily involved, supplying music ("The Prodigal Brothers" is us!) and arts help for the festival.  See what the Tribune had to say about it below:

Parkade to celebrate 50 years at free fest

The Prodigal Brothers, a principal performing magic and a local storyteller will be the main attractions as Parkade Elementary School hosts its 50th anniversary bash tomorrow afternoon.

“There’s a lot to do and a lot to see,” said Emily Noelker, a Parkade special education teacher. “We want it to be a community event.”

Parkade is celebrating the milestone as part of its annual spring festival from noon to 3 p.m. tomorrow. On the gym’s stage, the main attractions will include The Prodigal Brothers, a 12-instrument band, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Admission to the festival is free.

Larry Jones, principal of Two Mile Prairie Elementary School, will perform a magic act from 1:30 to 2 p.m., and local storyteller Deb Swanegan will perform until 3 p.m.

Other attractions will be a drum circle and emergency vehicles for show. The school also plans to host a silent auction, and Truman the Tiger will attend from 1 to 2 p.m.

The event also kicks off the school’s canned food drive. Those who bring a canned good will earn free tickets to play games at the festival.

In the hallways, letters will be posted from students expressing what they like about Parkade. Noelker especially encouraged all former Parkade Panthers to come back to their school.

“We have a new administration this year. There’s some new changes,” she said. “I think it’s a bit of a homecoming.”