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Thrills are all part of the game for the T.R. Miller Athletic Club’s annual fundraising event.

The James Gang came into town on Sunday afternoon to set up for a five-day carnival event to help raise funds for athletic programs at the school.

Kevin Kelley, president of the Athletic Club, said this event has been an annual fundraiser for the organization for years, but this year’s event was moved from the spring to the fall.

“We typically have this fundraiser in the spring,” Kelley said. “But with COVID concerns, everything just kind of got pushed back and cancelled. We’re happy to have the opportunity to move ahead with the event.”

Kelley said the 2019 carnival event raised around $8,000 to help with athletic expenses at the school. With the change in scheduling, he hopes this year will be as good or better.

“We were lucky last year that the carnival fell right along with spring break,” Kelley said. “This year, we didn’t think we were even going to be able to have this fundraiser. But, we got a call last week, and the group had an opening. Once we got all the proper approval, we booked it for this week.”

The carnival kicked off with opening night on Tuesday and will continue through Saturday night, Kelley said.

“They will start up at 6 p.m. each night and go until,” Kelley said. “There will be a special wristband/hand stamp night on Thursday for $15 and on Friday and Saturday nights for $20. That purchase will give them unlimited rides for the entire night.”

Kelley also said that special precautions will be taken to ensure health safety during carnival days.

“We have been assured that every worker will be wearing a mask,” Kelley said. “We are also encouraging carnival-goers to wear masks as well. The company will be making sure that every ride has occupants spaced out to allow for social distancing.”

Kelley said that this and other fundraisers of the organization help to cover expenses involved in sports for T.R. Miller.

“We aren’t in this just for football,” Kelley said. “We are happy to help when we can with expenses other sports teams may have. We have covered some expenses for every team sport at the school. From providing meals for traveling teams to participate in play-offs or regular games to fund camps, competitions, equipment purchases and even chairs for the gym, we do what we can to make athletic experiences for T.R. Miller High School students enjoyable.”

The carnival is located in the grassy area near Tractor Supply on Doulgas Avenue. Parking will be available throughout the shopping center.