Bonfire lights up fun at Braden River Elementary School

Annual event raises funds for teachers' classrooms.

  • By Pam Eubanks
  • | 9:09 p.m. January 31, 2020
  • East County
  • News
  • Share

Braden River Elementary School second grader Marla Brunner loves when it gets cold outside and her family gathers around the fire pit at its River Club home.

So as she and friends basked in the glow of a bonfire at Braden River Elementary Jan. 31, she more than enjoyed the experience.

“It’s lovely,” Brunner said. “It’s so big. We don’t know how they make it that big.”

Although the flames reached more than 7 feet high, Brunner wasn’t worried. The area was roped off and firefighters from East Manatee Fire Rescue District were on hand to monitor the flames. 

Families attending the annual event enjoyed food and drink, popcorn and glow games, proceeds from which all directly benefited teachers’ classrooms. Children enjoyed playing on the playground, too.

Eight-year-old Alma Miller was happy to bask in the glow from the campfire with her dad, Rob Miller, who traveled from Tampa for the event.
Eight-year-old Alma Miller was happy to bask in the glow from the campfire with her dad, Rob Miller, who traveled from Tampa for the event.
Fifth grader Ryann Gurski likes the bonfire, but makes time to climb around at the playground.
Fifth grader Ryann Gurski likes the bonfire, but makes time to climb around at the playground.
Six-year-old Maggie Neary tests her skills on the monkey bars amongst friends.
Six-year-old Maggie Neary tests her skills on the monkey bars amongst friends.
Jessica and Chloe Hoeper eat by the glow of the bonfire. It's their third year attending the event.
Jessica and Chloe Hoeper eat by the glow of the bonfire. It's their third year attending the event.
Second graders Reese Donnelly and Marla Brunner like how big the fire is.
Second graders Reese Donnelly and Marla Brunner like how big the fire is.
Coach Eric Boso and volunteer Tom Weatherly add pallets to fuel the fire. An estimated 200 pallets were used throughout the night.
Coach Eric Boso and volunteer Tom Weatherly add pallets to fuel the fire. An estimated 200 pallets were used throughout the night.
Kindergarten students Lilly Colcu and Gabriella Busenburg both feasted on chocolate covered doughnuts, which sold for $1 apiece.
Kindergarten students Lilly Colcu and Gabriella Busenburg both feasted on chocolate covered doughnuts, which sold for $1 apiece.
Fifth grade teacher Cortney Preston cooked up about 300 hot dogs with the help of her fellow fifth-grade teachers.
Fifth grade teacher Cortney Preston cooked up about 300 hot dogs with the help of her fellow fifth-grade teachers.
Alessandro, Annya and Arianna Hernandez buy their tickets and are ready to eat and play.
Alessandro, Annya and Arianna Hernandez buy their tickets and are ready to eat and play.
First-grade teachers Nancy King and Tammy Peters sell their s'more trail mix to raise funds for first-grade teachers.
First-grade teachers Nancy King and Tammy Peters sell their s'more trail mix to raise funds for first-grade teachers.

 

Latest News

The school district has partnered with University of South Florida in order to create the new offerings at Gulf Coast Academy of Innovation & Technology at Brookside.
  • February 19, 2026
Brookside Middle School undergoes transformation to attract new students
Centennial celebrations at Sarasota Opera House is part of Visit Sarasota County's promotional efforts to attract visitors to the county in 2026.
  • February 19, 2026
Visitors bureau promotes centennial legacy of Sarasota County
Dave Bullock arrived as Sarasota interim city manager in May 2025 with a folder file filled with pressing challenges.
  • February 19, 2026
'The most dangerous man in Sarasota'
The Lakewood Ranch High School hockey team huddles together at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex in December. The team could call Lakewood Ranch home if an ice rink is built at Premier Sports Campus North.
  • February 18, 2026
First step taken for ice rink to glide into Lakewood Ranch's Premier Sports Campus

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content