Opstad Elementary School’s cafeteria looked more like a carnival during Friday’s Family Fun Night. The annual spring event featured dancing, cheap food, ring tosses, face painting and other activities for students, siblings and parents.

“I like all the lights [on the dance floor] and how people dress up,” said third-grader Andrea Scott, who picked up a prize after tossing a ball into a trash can.

Some students had come dressed as an animal or performer from the circus, which was the theme at this year’s Family Fun Night. Previous themes have included Hollywood, Mardi Gras and disco

Opstad’s Parent-Teacher Association sponsors the event to build the school’s community.

“It’s a chance for the parents to get to meet each other, the kids to get to meet each other and for everyone to have fun,” said Joelle Treharne, vice-president of Opstad’s PTA.

While long lines formed at the activity booths, parents and students agreed that the night’s main event was on the dance floor.

Since an empty dance floor can be a lonely, intimidating place, Fred Alati, an Opstad parent and self-proclaimed “ham,” was charged with getting the dancing started.

Dressed as a circus magician, he went to work while the DJ played everything from Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ to the hokey pokey.

“In the last 30 or 40 minutes people usually get really into it,” said Alati, who’s volunteered as the event’s dance-wrangler for four years.

Parents praised the event for its simple approach to bringing families and the community together.

“I’m amazed at how much fun everyone seems to be having without too much craziness,” said Kim Brown, as she watched her daughter, Tegan, jump rope while signing the ABCs, “I love it; I think it’s great. It’s casual and low-key. [Tegan] obviously enjoys it.”