By Nick Delgado, Harker Heights Evening Star

The carnival was in town on Tuesday inside the local Chick-Fil-A restaurant. Parents took their children for much more than a night out for dinner.

Kids joined in on the fun during the restaurants weekly kids night event on Tuesday, which included a carnival theme for all to enjoy.
“So every Tuesday from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm we have different activities completely free to the kids, “ said Ericka Villarreal, restaurant marketing director. “It’s something for them to do.”

Staff dressed up in circus attire and helped participants play a variety of carnival games to win prizes.

“Circus night is a fun thing. We have easy games for the kids. It’s a neat activity for them,” she said. “At Chick-Fil-A we like to encourage people to spend time with their families, so we like to put on kid themed events that way parents can bring their kids here and spend time with their kids.”

Team member Spencer Guillory never imagined working at the restaurant would include so many activities that allow him to interact with his community. “Not really 100 percent expecting this,” he said. “I mean it’s a fun job, a great job and I like hanging out with the kids.”
Restaurant goers both young and old were also given balloon animals.

“It was a nice thing for after school. A nice treat to come have some fun tonight,” said Kim Hutchinson, a mother who brought her two daughters, Emily, 5, and Evelyn, 9 months old.

Villarreal said the restaurant does have its usual crowds that constantly come in to take advantage of the fun-filled nights every week. The games and activities are also switched out so chicken sandwich lovers can get the most out of the event.

“The games were fun and I really love tonight,” said Emily, 5. “It was the most specialist night after kindergarten that I’ve ever experienced in my whole entire life.”

“I pretty much come to Chick-Fil-A a lot. It’s my favorite restaurant nearby,” she said.

The kids night themes change every Tuesday, and kids can get a free meal with the purchase of an adult meal every last Tuesday of the month.