School organizations combine for carnival atmosphere at stadium

The smell of food wafted through the open air as children begged to throw pies in athletes’ faces. Crowd members at the first home football game on Sept. 15 were greeted with a carnival atmosphere at Wigwam Stadium.

The Wigwam Midway helps raise money to support organizations and clubs with food and spirit booths as well as games.

Coordinator of the event, librarian Elizabeth Jackson, said the idea came from when the Indians played in Pampa two years ago.

“It was just bright, fun-looking, and packed,” Jackson said. “Everyone was welcoming and cheerful. After that game, I called and asked Pampa how they created their event.”

Customers can choose from sausage wraps, funnel cakes, brisket burritos, cotton candy, warm cookies and street corn to name a few along with face painting, pie throw and regular concession stand items. Organizations will use the extra funds to finance various projects. Maiden basketball for instance will use the money to buy new athletic shoes.

The library plans to use its money from cotton candy sales for school scholarships. Eleven booths lined the midway which is only open to school-sponsored organizations.

“Everyone got there early, and the stadium was packed,” Jackson said. “It was like going to a fair.”

Senior Nicole Rodriguez worked the cotton candy booth during the game.

“I liked working the booth because I got to see the children’s facial expressions when they saw Brooke [Langham] making cotton candy,” Rodriguez said. “Working the booth made the game fun because I don’t like football games, so it kept me occupied. Being more involved also helps out.”

The midway will be open before and during all home football games. Those who frequent the booths can get tickets with their purchases to be eligible for prize drawings during the games