Midland Schools and Chamber Members Shine with "Under the Sea" Collaboration

Throughout March and culminating on April 11, Midland Elementary PTO and Midland High School came together in a truly special way, wrapping up their production of The Little Mermaid with an unforgettable "Under the Sea" themed carnival.

Local Chamber businesses showed up in a BIG way—not just by putting their name on something, but by being there, volunteering, and running game stations for the kids. A huge thank you goes out to All in the Details, Thrive Fitness, Spicer's Auto Repair, Whiffletree Place, Let's Dance, Knights of Columbus, North Central Behavioral Health, Runestone Accounting, Rita's Kitchen & Bar, and Lacon Fitness & Tan. Your willingness to give your time, energy, and support is what truly brought this event to life and made it such a success for our community.

The PTO truly outdid themselves with a wide variety of thoughtfully planned and engaging games. Each station was creative, interactive, and clearly designed with kids in mind—from hands-on activities to skill-based challenges that kept lines full and smiles constant. It was evident how much time and care went into making sure every child had something fun to experience, and the attention to detail made the entire event feel immersive and exciting from start to finish.

One of the highlights of the evening was the cast of The Little Mermaid, who arrived in full costume to meet and greet younger students. Their presence brought the story to life in a whole new way and created unforgettable moments for the kids.

The success of the event was made possible by the hard work of many. School staff played a huge role in bringing everything together—Mr. Mintus kept everyone fueled with fresh popcorn, while other staff members served up Yarger's pizza and hot dogs, making sure no one left hungry.

A standout contribution came from Mr. Bella's physics class, who crafted a working periscope for the submarine display, adding a unique, hands-on learning element to the experience.

The immersive atmosphere started the moment guests walked through the door — the entryway floor was transformed into an ocean scene that set the tone for the entire evening.

A special thank you goes to Billy Poignant for a generous donation of lumber, which helped create the dock-themed decorations that tied the entire event together beautifully.

Adding to the immersive experience, Whiffletree Place created a stunning cave and aquarium display that quickly became a favorite attraction among attendees.

From start to finish, the evening was filled with energy, creativity, and community pride. It was more than just a carnival or a musical—it was a celebration of collaboration and a shining example of what makes the Midland and Lacon communities so special.