Carnival replaces dance at Islip homecoming

Spencer Boos, 15, attempted three shots before he landed the fourth one into the basketball hoop.

Emma Mecozzi, 16, threw nine green bean bags in a row. The ninth bag finally flew into the Feed the Clowns game hole she was playing.

And it was all in the name of fun at Islip High School’s inaugural homecoming carnival held on Oct. 17.

With the Islip Middle School field transformed into a carnival playland, students were excited to participate in the fun-filled event.

“It’s different to have a carnival at homecoming,” said Islip High School junior Mecozzi. “My favorite game is Feed the Clowns.”

The carnival included games ranging from Hulk Smash and Toilet Toss to Bases Loaded and Zap the Zombies. A few of the prizes given away were gold and purple beads, mini-footballs and sunglasses.

Islip High School Student Union adviser and English teacher Ann Gordon said that the carnival began when the homecoming dance received a less-than-stellar response.

SEE PHOTOSPhotos: High school homecomings across LI

“The homecoming dance didn’t work," she said. "Most of the students don’t want to dress up for a dance. They like to play games like basketball and baseball. The carnival works for everyone in the community. It’s a fun event for everyone."

Islip High School principal Michael Mosca said that he plans to have the carnival again.

“Islip is strong in school spirit and the carnival is great for having fun," he said. "We always had young kids coming to the homecoming every year to watch the football game and now we have the carnival for everyone to have fun."