The gym at Forest Park Middle School was transformed into an indoor carnival for this year’s Spring Fling. Hosted by the Forest Park School District 91’s PTO, the annual event attracted more than 300 participants on Friday, April 11.
During the fun-filled evening, D91 families took part in carnival-themed activities. In addition to face painting, bounce houses, a photo booth, and games, the event also entailed performances by a magician and a traveling juggler. Both sweet and savory snacks were available from local food vendors, including Smokey Joel’s Red Hots, Forest Park Bakery, Spoke Café and Cactus Grill.
“It was a smashing success,” said D91 PTO President Rachelle Ernst. “We just keep getting bigger and better every year.”
The bouncy house draws a long line during the Forest Park District 91 PTO Spring Fling held at the Forest Park Middle School Friday April 11, 2025. Credit: Erica Benson 
Wyatt Ball of Forest Park runs through the Obstacle Course during the Forest Park District 91 PTO Spring Fling held at the Forest Park Middle School Friday April 11, 2025. 
Audra Measner of Blue Island paints children’s faces including Clari Saenz during the Forest Park District 91 PTO Spring Fling held at the Forest Park Middle School Friday April 11, 2025. 
Children including 7th grader Max Kastelein participates in Axe Throwing during the Forest Park District 91 PTO Spring Fling held at the Forest Park Middle School Friday April 11, 2025. 
Chris Gran of Oak Park (Gran Man Entertainment) teaches children including Bryson McClure of Forest Park how to balance and spin a frisbee during the Forest Park District 91 PTO Spring Fling held at the Forest Park Middle School Friday April 11, 2025. 
John Measner entertains attendees of the Forest Park District 91 PTO Spring Fling with the help 4th grader Lorenzo Basile and Melody Benson Friday April 11, 2025. There were approximately 300 in attending the event at the Forest Park Middle School.
Other than food purchased from vendors, the event was free for all participants. Sponsors for this year’s Spring Fling included Kiwanis Club of Forest Park, American Legion, Grand Appliance, Robert’s Westside, Mark Hanson Insurance, Mohr Oil Co, Commissioner Michelle Melin-Rogovin, She Can Fix That, Balloons by Lily and Nourishing Those in Need.
“Without that support from our community businesses and organizations, we wouldn’t be able to host an entirely free event for our community,” Ernst said. “We’re so fortunate in Forest Park to be able to call on our business community members and have them support us like that.”
PTO Fundraising chair Kristin Pekoll said they raised almost $3,000 in sponsorships.
“Even though we had budgeted a lot of money towards the performers, the activities and the decorations, it wasn’t a huge dent in our budget,” Pekoll said. “We were able to do a lot with the support that we had.”
According to Pekoll, the annual event typically includes a fundraiser, but the PTO decided not to conduct one this year. Instead, they focused on family-friendly activities and games.
“I think because we feel we’ve done really well with our fundraising initiatives this year, we wanted to take the fundraising element out of it,” she said.
Throughout the 90-minute event, a total of 40 volunteers worked in shifts, ensuring that the evening ran smoothly.
“I think one of the ways that you can look at the strength of a school district is by the involvement of parents, and events like Spring Fling really highlight how strong of a school district and community that we are,” Ernst said.
Ernst said the D91 PTO strives to create opportunities to meet other parents and families and create connections.
“We want to come together and celebrate our diverse and beautiful community,” she said.
Other events hosted by the D91 PTO throughout the year include the D91 Back to School Picnic, the PTO Color Run, Trunk or Treat with D91, Loteria Night, The Forest Park Middle School Sneaker Ball, MLK Day of Service, Betsy Ross Winter Family Night, and Field Family Glow Party.
“Our programming is extensive and we love that we’re able to offer opportunities for families to be involved,” Ernst said.