Vicksburg Catholic Schools hosted its annual Play-A-Day in the school cafeteria with a new twist this year as a Friday barbecue lunch and dinner.

The demand was high and the school’s goal was reached as over 800 plates were sold for $12 each.

“Last year we only sold 250 meals. This year we sold over 800,” said Ann Roberson, director of development and alumni affairs at Vicksburg Catholic Schools. “We expect to net about $11,000.”

Barbecue plates of a half smoked chicken, potato salad, baked beans and a roll were sold with drinks and desserts sold separately to raise money for the school from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.

Recently retired teacher Jan Blackledge was supporting the school Friday night and said it felt strange not being there as a teacher. She said she advised her husband to bring dollars so the couple could play bingo. She had her eye on one prize in particular.

“I like the beach bags,” Blackledge said, adding she plans to hit the beach soon.

Roberson planned to play more than 30 games of bingo for multiple gifts that were donated to the fundraiser like cake mixes, suitcases, candy, small home appliances, tumblers and more.

“The final, big prize is $100 cash,” Roberson said.

Kara Brister said she was participating in the event to support her 7-year-old daughter Presley’s school. Presley is in first grade.

“The kids enjoy the activities, and everybody loves barbecue,” Kara said as Presley asked to play outside.

In addition to bingo games, children were eager to finish their dinner so they could play on an inflatable obstacle course and slide.

The event is planned out of Roberson’s office with the help of parents. She said parent Kirby Field was in charge of cooking the food with the help of other volunteers and the school’s cafeteria staff.

“They have been cooking since 4:30 a.m. and just wrapped up at 4:30 p.m.,” Roberson said.

The money raised will go towards the school’s Digital Learning Initiative to get MacBooks in the hands of every student. Roberson said Phase 1 of getting each teacher a MacBook has just been completed, and Phase 2 will start in August.

“The proceeds go to that initiative,” Roberson said.

The Play-A-Day event has transformed from a springtime carnival on the first Saturday in May to a Friday barbecue and bingo.

Roberson said the transition has gone smoothly because changing the event to a Friday was easier on the parent’s schedules, and the school now hosts a larger scale carnival in the fall during the Spooky Sprint.

“It has been great,” Roberson said.