Mercer Island Preschool Association Hosts 'Circus'

The 45th Annual (MIPA) Circus got underway on a cold and overcast day that did nothing to dampen the spirits of parents and preschoolers in attendance.

“He’s been talking about coming all week,” said Jennifer Martin, as her son Jackson, 2, tugged on her hand towards the mini-golf course and the “Sea of Surprises” fishing area. “Though he doesn’t look it, he’s overwhelmed, now that he’s here, because there is so much to take in, so many things to play with and do—this is the first time he’s ever seen a pony.”

Around a thousand people attended this fundraising event for MIPA, enjoying pony rides, a reptile man, pie walks, musical guests, Seattle Sounders soccer players and 20 games of luck and skill under their “big tent” and “little tent” areas at . “Many of the families that come today know this as 'Circus McGurkus,' which is what it was called for years,” said Stephanie Kornblum, co-president of MIPA. “But for us it’s one of our main fundraising events that requires 150 volunteers, from adults that run the local preschools to high school and middle school students who get community service credits for helping out here.”

owner Marilyn Wellnitz said she’s been volunteering at the circus for 18 years.

“The money raised here goes to so many good causes, like scholarships for preschool for kids (whose parents) can’t afford it, and park playgrounds,” she said. “Plus I can talk to parents about the Montessori School Curicculum (of the CLC) that helps prepare their child for kindergarten and first grade with practical life skills, like tying shoes and preparing food.”

But for grandmother Judy Helsel, bringing her grandson Peter, 2, granddaughter Hannah, 4 and baby Miriam, 2 months, wasn’t about finding a preschool, it was about attending to a family tradition. “Every year, I brought my own three daughters here, so now I can bring my grandkids and have fun,” she said. “Hannah just went fishing!” added her mother, Kendra Hug, “I went fishing for prizes at the circus when I was a kid.”

This was the first year at the circus for Island residents Lauri and Dennie Omar, who brought their wide-eyed 2-year-old Ethan. “We just did all the games in the little tent area,” said Lauri Omar. “It’s nice to have an event like this on the weekend where Ethan can get out, play and run around.” “We’re always looking for family things to go to,” added Dennie.

Volunteers Linda Tepper and Julie Bailey from were manning the popular ‘prize table’ where kids stopped to redeem their tickets for toys and trinkets. “Learning through play is our focus at Country Village Day School,” said Tepper. “So this is the perfect opportunity for us to talk to people about what we’re all about.”

“It’s such a long-time Island tradition,” said Mark Martin, as he stopped by the table with children in tow. “We’re able to enjoy all the games and we’re supporting the preschool association at the same time, so it’s great for everyone.”

MIPA also hosts a Halloween party for preschoolers, a toy swap, a preschool fair, family socials, a “Holidoors” decoration program and playgroups for Mercer Island children ages 2 to 6. For more information visit their website at mipa@mipreschoolassociation.org.