Four Oaks Elementary School students have an extra reason to celebrate their Fall Festival this week: a $5,000 donation from Amazon’s Smithfield facility will cover admission for 1,000 children.

The festival takes place Friday, October 23, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Four Oaks Elementary School.

Student admission normally costs $5, but the contribution to the school’s PTA will pay that fee for 1,000 students.

The gift is part of the PTA’s Cardinal Friends & Families Give Back initiative, which helps make school events more accessible.

For families with several children, even modest admission charges can add up.

Removing the student fee means more classmates can enjoy the celebration together without that expense standing in the way.

Amazon site leader Ryan Thompson visited the school and presented symbolic Golden Tickets to recognize the donation.

The gesture highlighted the company’s support for families who live and work in the surrounding Johnston County community.

Four Oaks Elementary Principal Lyndsey Dunn welcomed the contribution and its message of inclusion.

School officials say community partnerships like this help families feel connected to their children’s education and school activities.

That connection matters well beyond a single fall evening.

School festivals give students a chance to spend time with friends outside the classroom while parents, teachers, and neighbors get to know one another.

The sponsorship turns a financial contribution into something students can experience directly: an evening of shared memories and school spirit.

Four Oaks Elementary is one of Johnston County’s largest elementary schools and serves families with a wide range of circumstances.

The PTA’s work also includes fundraising for a digital school sign.

That planned sign would help communicate announcements, student accomplishments, safety updates, and information in English and Spanish.

Both efforts share a goal of making school life easier for families to participate in and follow.

Johnston County Public Schools parent and community engagement liaison Tracey Clark has also praised the partnership.

Amazon is being recognized as a Diamond Sponsor of the PTA initiative.

Friday’s gathering gives the Four Oaks community a timely opportunity to see the value of those relationships.

Parents and caregivers can help make the evening go smoothly by checking the school’s latest notices before attending.

Those notices are the best place to confirm festival activities, parking arrangements, and whether any separate adult admission rules apply.

The announced donation specifically covers the regular student admission charge for 1,000 children.

Event details: Four Oaks Elementary Fall Festival, Friday, October 23, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

For many children, the most memorable part of the night may simply be joining their friends for a community celebration.

Thanks to the PTA and its local business partner, more Four Oaks students will have that opportunity.