The annual Jefferson Elementary School Chili Supper and Mardi Gras Carnival will serve a family meal and provide games and festivities to raise money to support education.

The evening will begin with a performance by the fifth grade band under the direction of Ginger Stanfield, said Kathy Armstrong, chair of the Jefferson committee of the Charleston Joint Parent-Teacher Association. Following the concert, a dinner consisting of a bowl of chili or a hot dog, celery and carrots, crackers, a cookie and drink will be served.

Pam and Alan Bumpus have been cooking the chili since their children attended Jefferson, Armstrong said. The recipe is from Pam’s father who made the chili while serving in the military.

The Mardi Gras Carnival will include a 50-foot inflatable obstacle course, free throw challenge, three-point shootout, pop bingo, sweet walk, pop ring toss, fishpond, a 50/50 drawing and Mardi Gras mask with jewelry making. New to the carnival is an inflatable bungee run.

Shopping will also be available at the Buy One, Get One Free Book Fair, the silent auction and the kids’ auction, Armstrong said.

The items for the auctions are provided by the students and their families, Armstrong said. Each class also donates a basket or gift to the auction.

“It’s a social event to bring people to the school, and if we make a little money, that is good too,” Armstrong said.

The event is sponsored by the joint PTA, which represents Mark Twain, Carl Sandberg and Jefferson school, Armstrong said. Money raised by the carnival goes to the PTA to pay for supplies such as field trips, equipment and library books.

“None is operating expenses. All proceeds go back to the kids and supports education,” Armstrong said.

Advanced tickets are available for purchase. Family meal tickets are $12 or $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children. Game tickets are 25 cents apiece. Meal and game tickets will also be available at the door, a press release stated.

The festival is open to all members of the community and will be held from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at Jefferson school, 801 Jefferson Ave.