DOWAGIAC — While outside snow was falling this week, inside the halls of Justus Gage Elementary School, a celebration was also winter focused. 

On Wednesday evening, the Justus Gage Parent Teacher Organization hosted its annual winter carnival. Inside different classrooms, student volunteers and teachers helped students participate in a variety of games, including a bounce house, a rubber duck contest and a game where students threw toilet paper rolls into a toilet.

Inside the gymnasium, snacks and refreshments were being sold, and students could exchange tickets they won for prizes.

“The money raised at tonight’s event goes towards field trips and school assemblies,” said Principal Bryan Henry.

Traditionally, Henry said the school had two annual celebrations but decided to transition to one as families are heavily involved in spring sports.

“Participation has been high,” he said.