LAUREL — The annual Laurel Midsummer Carnival is fast approaching, and funds raised from this year’s event will benefit a most worthy cause — assisting the family of Stetson Aman, a local five-year-old who is battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as Burkitt’s Lymphoma.

Alyssa Jordan, the event organizer, recently spoke to the T-R about what to expect on Saturday, June 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and she noted that any excess funds generated will be distributed to other local families in need. The carnival will include a car show, an official bags tournament with a 50-50 payout, a slick pig contest, piano smash and four food trucks with the possibility of a fifth still looming. Artist Missy Sharer Pieters is also planning to donate her time to a mural project.

“We’ve got a lot of donors, a lot of small businesses around Marshalltown and the area that have donated toward our silent auction and our live auction, and then we always do a fan favorite, which is pie auctions,” Jordan said.

They have real auctioneers coming out for the occasion, and Jordan is expecting a strong turnout this year. A meat raffle with pork donated from Berkwood Farms of Des Moines is also planned. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact her at outskirtsacres@gmail.com.

Jeff Arrandale is also slated to perform live music from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

“A lot of stuff to do, (and) a lot of stuff for all age ranges,” Jordan said. “Lots of chances to make some money (and) lots of chances to get some raffle prizes.”

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Contact Robert Maharry at 641-753-6611 ext. 255 or

rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.