SPANISH FORT, Ala.—From carnival games and inflatable slides to cotton candy and cake walks, Spanish Fort Elementary School’s Fall Festival offered a little something for everyone Saturday.

Although an exact count is a near impossibility, Laura Mixon estimated the annual PTA fundraiser attracted “several thousand” patrons, clamoring for activity tickets, concessions and a taste of what Halloween held in store the following day.

By 11 a.m., nearly 30 local vendors had erected booths along the thoroughfare, and 15 game booths were going strong.

Kaleb Munoz, 7, ran from the ring toss to the fishing booth, his “Mario” costume disguising his true identity. Eight-year-old Maggie Barnes — draped temporarily in a trash bag — had her hair spray-painted red and topped with silver glitter, while deejay Lonn Spencer’s tunes floated through the crowd.

Kearston Costello, 6, and Harper Beckham, 5, waited patiently to have their nails painted and their princess crowns affixed before bolting in different directions for the next dose of frivolity.

“I’ve got a bag of candy and my little brother won a cake,” said 7-year-old Darren Johnston, racing to get his shoes off as the more than 10-foot bounce house beckoned. “This is better than trick-or-treating.”

Mixon said although the event’s final tally probably won’t be complete until week’s end, the festival brought in at least $10,000 before expenses.

Some of the funds will be redistributed by the PTA to teachers to help meet outstanding classroom needs, she said, but the majority will be set aside toward the eventual construction of a new playground for the elementary school. The anticipated cost of a new playground is about $45,000.

As the crisp October morning gave way to blue skies and sunshine, jackets were shed and soft-drink sales spiked.

Antonio Winston, 6, and little brother Andre, 5, had a better idea.

The pair took turns throwing rings for a shot at winning a two-liter Coca-Cola product.

“It’s a perfect day for this,” said Michelle Beckham, while princess Harper received the royal treatment and 1-year-old Zoe snuggled in her lap.

Michael Culver, 9, said he was well-aware Halloween was less than 24 hours away, but he was willing Christmas to arrive a little early as he purchased three $1 raffle tickets. Among other prizes, the raffle offered both n iPod and a Nintendo DSI.

By noon, however, Dale McCafferty wasn’t the only one who needed a bit of a break.

“He’s just worn out,” McCafferty said of 6-month-old Hayden McCafferty, snoozing in his arms.