On Sunday December 7th, the THON™ community gathered to celebrate the THON 2026 Family Carnival. Families, volunteers, and students showed up to the Multi-Sport Facility to spend time with their organizations and families. This is a day where families are able to spend time with their paired organizations and other Four Diamonds families, sharing in the absolute joy the day brings. Maggie Gilbert, the THON 2026 Communications Director, touched on the excitement of the day. She said, “My favorite part of Family Carnival is just seeing all the organizations and families come together and celebrate to have an overall great day!”
From playing limbo on the stage to running underneath the big colorful parachute, the children and families had a day full of fun. One of the main events of every Family Carnival is the booths lined up around the facility where organizations and committees lead their own games and crafts. The children walk from booth to booth trying out all of the different activities to receive a ticket they can use at the prize table! This year, the booths included matching games, a photo booth, and friendship bracelets. The Club Cross Country team set up an origami making station. Paige Oskison, Club Cross Country’s Family Relations Chair, said, “My favorite part was teaching the kids at my booth how to make different origami crafts. I taught one kid how to make a pinwheel, and he was so excited!” From talking with the volunteers, it is evident that the kids are not the only ones who have a blast trying out all of the booths!
George Papoutsis and Grace Morani, the Family Carnival Captains for 2026, dedicated their time to make the event a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
“My favorite part of Family Carnival is just seeing the biggest smiles on everyone’s faces as they play all of the games and interact with the volunteers in the booths,” Grace said “It’s just so simple, and so meaningful when you get to see them have the time of their lives.”
George shared some of the new things that were implemented this year to make Family Carnival even more memorable for families. “One of my favorite things about Family Carnival this year is the new play area that we introduced. It’s a small area that has basketball nets, can jam, cornhole and fun yard games. The kids can kind of let loose, have fun, and run around,” he said.
The new play area was a popular addition where the families could show off their athletic abilities and spend time with their paired organizations. Ryan Smith, PGN THON Morale Chair, particularly enjoyed this aspect. “It’s so much fun getting to see our families and hang out with them. I love getting to run around and play games with some of my favorite people,” he said.
The day ended with a Pep Rally from the Penn State Cheerleaders and Nittany Lion, the THON 2025 line dance, and a family story from the Willow Maurer family. The crowd gathered to share their passion for THON while waiting for the logo to be revealed. The THON 2026 Directors were introduced along with the designer of the logo, second-year graphic design major, Aradhana Sood. Soon after, the animation was played, and the THON 2026 Logo was revealed. Everyone got to their feet and cheered for the beautiful image that will be recognized as the THON 2026 Logo forever. The logo reveal was the perfect ending to a day full of laughter and joy, celebrating our families who inspire us every day.
To ensure that THON is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we heavily rely on donor support. These donations provide us the resources to create endless memories for our Four Diamonds families & foster a deep love & connection to our mission for our volunteers through Pre-THON Events, alternative fundraisers, & THON Weekend.
