March Madness Comes to RSU 22: Community Expo & Kids Carnival!

This March, the RSU 22 Education Foundation invites the community to a new and improved Community Expo & Kids Carnival, a family-friendly event designed to bring together local businesses, students, families, and wellness partners. All in support of RSU 22 teachers and classrooms.

The Community Expo & Kids Carnival will take place on Saturday, March 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hampden Academy. While past expos successfully connected local businesses with the community, feedback from the 2024 event made one thing clear: families wanted more reasons to stay longer, engage more deeply, and make the event a true community experience. This year’s Expo was intentionally redesigned with that feedback in mind.

The Community Expo & Kids Carnival directly supports the RSU 22 Education Foundation Teacher Mini Grant Program. Thanks to the success of the 2024 Expo, the Foundation awarded $2,000 in Teacher Mini Grants to educators across the district in 2025. The money funded classroom projects, supplies, and innovative learning opportunities for RSU 22 students.

1. Community Business Expo
Local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations will be featured throughout the event, offering products, services, and community resources. The Business Expo provides an opportunity for local organizations to connect with residents, build relationships, and support public education in RSU 22. This portion of the event builds on the former “Keep It Local Business Expo,” expanding its reach and impact.

Local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations interested in participating as vendors, sponsors, or student activity leaders are encouraged to get involved. To learn more or register, visit:
https://rsu22foundation.org/events.

2. Kids Carnival
A new highlight this year is the Kids Carnival, hosted by RSU 22 students. Student groups, including clubs and athletic teams, will each run carnival games and activities for children. This not only creates a fun, interactive experience for families, but also encourages student leadership, school pride, and meaningful community involvement.

Carnival games will operate using a ticket system coordinated by the RSU 22 Education Foundation. Proceeds raised through ticket sales will be shared with participating student groups based on engagement, with the option for groups to donate their earnings back to the Foundation.

3. Wellness & Learning Opportunities
The event will also feature a Wellness Area, offering health, safety, and educational resources for families and caregivers. Attendees will find free wellness information, car seat safety checks, and other community resources. In addition, participants may register in advance for CPR and Stop the Bleed certification courses, with a portion of registration fees benefiting the RSU 22 Education Foundation.