Hot fun in the wintertime

Summer was in the air on Saturday at St. Luke’s Lutheran School.

Hundreds filled the school’s buildings and property just north of town for the school’s winter carnival.

“Years ago, we had a winter carnival that was basically in this building,” said Deanne Cockerill, St. Luke’s director of admissions. “We decided we wanted to make it larger,” she said.

Besides being a showcase for the school, “It’s really for Culpeper,” she said, adding that the event is also meant to encourage community fellowship.

A warm weather theme was the hallmark of the event, which was spread throughout three buildings.

In the gym, surfer music and the aroma of popcorn wafted through the air. Up front, several student groups, including the school’s Blue Angels cheer squad, performed for parents and friends. A giant sun on the wall and umbrellas stuck in pails of sand completed the warm weather theme.

“We are prepared for a big crowd,” Cockerill early Saturday. “We have a lot of groups.”

They included displays from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Culpeper Police Department.

One of the more popular stops at the carnival was the Culpeper Welcome Waggers.

A volunteer group of handlers and friendly dogs, the group makes visits to health care facilities, schools and other places where people might enjoy the comfort and therapy of a friendly furry friend. Both kids and adults stopped to pet two of the group’s dogs.

Frankie Troilo Gilmore, who heads Culpeper’s annual Soap Box derby, was also on hand, along with top winners from last year’s competition. She said the group is ready for this year’s race, which is set for June 20.

And in a corner, a handful of kids tried their luck at the cookie walk, vying to get their hands on one of the large, homemade, colorful cookies that were waiting for lucky winners.

“I think it’ll be good,” said Briana Banks, clutching one of the sugary prizes. “I’m glad I came.”