It was a smaller crowd that attended the annual Anna Maria Elementary School Spring Fling, but they knew how to party and they paid top dollar for some of the auction items. There were also some bargains that went out the door, but it was all for the PTO’s effort to help the school and ultimately, the kids.

Spring Fling co-chair Kyra Valadie said that attendance was around 236, down from the 300 or so who paid $40 for a ticket last year, but it appears they made their goal of $26,000.

The food was incredible and the decorations were top notch. Following the buffet dinner, served by members of the Manatee High School Key Club, there was a small live auction for two bottles of alcoholic beverage and then DJ Chris Grumley took over with the dance music as the parent showed them how to enjoy a night on the dance floor without the kids.

The theme of this year’s Spring Fling was Mardi Gras Mambo and there was a contest for the best costume. Rich Bell took first place for his “Pimp Daddy” garb and Drinda Procter won for her pink feathered outfit.



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