On June 12, 2024, the Canby 1st Ward in the Oregon City Stake held its second annual community carnival, where members of the ward transform the meetinghouse lawn into a lively hub of fun and fellowship.
What began as a backyard family tradition has now grown substantially in size and spirit, giving the ward Primary children missionary opportunities.
Roseann and Scott Crum began hosting a backyard carnival where their grandchildren had the opportunity to invite nonmember friends to participate in fun games and enjoy carnival-themed food.
Around 140 people attended this past year’s carnival, with 50% being nonmember friends and community members. The inclusive event underscores the ward’s commitment to creating a welcoming space for all, while providing an unconventional form of missionary work for youth and children.
Missionary work in a ‘fun and natural setting’

The carnival serves as an opportunity for Primary children to invite nonmember friends to Church activities — showing them just one way of doing missionary work.
The youth of the ward also participated in the event by leading and coordinating games and activities, including popular attractions like car bounce, spin the wheel, axe throw (with plastic axes) and clown pong.
These youth leaders seamlessly facilitated games for approximately 90 children, demonstrating patience and kindness.
“This carnival allows our Primary children to engage with their peers and share our faith’s values in a fun and natural setting,” Roseann Crum said.
Added Scott Crum: “It was a very simple way to do it. Everybody enjoys a carnival, and it brought people to our building to make them feel maybe a little more comfortable.”
Even the missionaries attended, mingling with the crowd, adding further to the spirit of community and inclusion.
An ‘all-around collective effort’

Ward members and auxiliary leaders donated their time and talents to the event. Flyers were made for the Primary kids to distribute to their friends — even at school, which resulted in faces never seen before at the church.
The carnival featured traditional carnival foods such as hot dogs, popcorn and shaved ice, provided by families within the ward. Roseann Crum added that the time and donations made by the members of the ward made the activity an “all-around collective effort.”
The event exemplified the principle that missionary work can take diverse forms, encouraging youth to step into leadership roles while creating a fun, inviting atmosphere for all involved.
It served as an “organic and easy way” for young participants to engage naturally with one another, fostering understanding and cooperation among classmates, neighbors and friends.
Looking forward, the Crums are hopeful about the continuation of this event, noting how much anticipation and excitement it has generated among participants.
“It’s important that we keep the momentum going,” said Scott Crum, adding, “The kids knew it was coming, and they’d been through it before, so everyone was excited.”
This carnival reflects the Canby 1st Ward’s dedication to offering opportunities for connection, service and spiritual growth within their wider community, illustrating that Church-sponsored activities can be both impactful and enjoyable.
