Big Creek People In Action Plans Spring Carnival in Caretta This April

Big Creek People In Action hosted its Spring Carnival at its Caretta community center Saturday, offering rides, games, and concessions at 50 cents a ticket in a county where the nonprofit already reaches more than 120 children through its low-income assistance programs.

The three-hour event ran from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 17586 Rocket Boys Drive, the same facility BCPIA has used for decades as a hub for after-school programming, food distribution, and volunteer projects across southern McDowell's coalfield communities. Rides, game tables, and food stalls drew families from Caretta, War, and Kimball, neighborhoods that make up much of BCPIA's established service area.

Founded in 1990, BCPIA has grown into one of McDowell County's most active nonprofits, running literacy and youth programs, housing rehabilitation services, and cultural events throughout the year. The organization served 166 county residents with housing repairs in a recent program cycle and provided 120 children from 80 low-income families with new shoes through its Barefeet initiative, a partnership with Americans Helping Americans. Executive Director Dyanne Spriggs has led the organization through that expansion of programming and direct-service work.

At Saturday's carnival, the 50-cent-per-ticket price kept activities within reach for families managing tight budgets. Regional fairs and amusement attractions in the area typically charge several dollars per ride; BCPIA's pricing removed that barrier for an afternoon. Vendor and information tables alongside the rides and games are a standard feature of BCPIA community events, giving residents a direct channel to learn about health clinics, gas-assistance programs, and food-distribution schedules.

Organizers asked attendees to bring small change for tickets and concessions and to follow posted directions for parking and ride lines. Big Creek People In Action can be reached at (304) 875-3418 or through the organization's Facebook page for information on future events and volunteer opportunities at the Rocket Boys Drive facility.