The James Logan Courier

By Justyna Torres, Courier Editor-in-Chief

Logan’s extracurricular activities rallied together for the New Haven Boosters Association’s “Carnival of Thanks.” The event helped the boosters raise funds towards the New Haven School’s Foundation, which helped save the extracurricular activities when they were in danger of being terminated due to budget cuts last year.

On Sunday November 6th, from 11 am to 5 pm, the carnival occupied the small parking lot in front of the Dan Oden Swim Complex. Football, wrestling, cheerleading, drama, track and field, cross country, and softball all set up booths which they had activities or sold food to the attendants. Everything was paid for by purchasing tickets in the front of the carnival for $0.50 each.

Other organizations came out to show their support as well including The District’s Health Education and Resource Team, the American Cancer Society, and the New Haven’s Teacher’s Association.

The boosters also held raffles throughout the carnival and awarded prizes to the winners which included gift baskets and cash prizes.

Free entertainment was available including a talent showcase in which some members from the award winning Forensics club performed their pieces along with acts from some of Logan’s talented singers and musicians. After the performances, a Dj provided music for the attendants.

The main event of the Carnival of Thanks was the chili cook-off sponsored by Texas Roadhouse. Entry and unlimited tastings of the chili cost $5 per person but it was well worth it. Eight contestants entered the cook-off each with their own unique spin on chili. Many types of chili’s were represented including a Jamaican chili, turkey chili, all meat chili, and one that claimed to be the “hottest” chili.

One of the contestants, our very own principal, Amy McNamara entered her own recipe and challenged others to enter against her. Two other contestants took her up on her offer in hopes of seeing their name on the school marquee for a week.

The contestants were judged by five representatives from Texas Roadhouse and were ranked from one to ten on taste, originality, and presentation.

Coming in third place, was Irene Nguyen and her husband Ron’s Jamaican Chili. Second place was awarded to Michael Ritchie, whose chili was made from his prize winning recipe. Finally, Julie Ballard won the first place title and a gift basket, including a free dinner for two, for her turkey chili.

Ballard who works at the district office said, “I made it and brought it into the district office one day for lunch and my co-workers loved it. They were the ones who encouraged me to enter the contest and I figured why not. I like supporting the district and its activities.”

Since her recipe was so unique from the others I asked her why she made a turkey chili compared to beef and she said, “I wanted to start eating healthier and turkey is a healthier alternative to use in my chili.”

Before 3pm, the tickets being sold at the front had almost sold out, signalling the success of the carnival.