Smiling faces and full tummies were the order of the day as Pioneer Elementary put on its annual spaghetti feed.

The recent event was the third annual hosted by the school's Parents Club. Patrons enjoyed a meal of homemade spaghetti and sauce prepared by parents Heather and Murray Sexton, owners of the Bridgehead Cafe in Antioch, along with garlic bread, salad and cookies for dessert.

Principal Dana Eaton reported having "a tremendous turnout," with eager eaters lining up long before dinner was to be served.

In addition, the school's art docents were on hand to paint faces, and staff helped serve the food. Cafeteria head Terry Coombs and her volunteer husband Mike organized the kitchen.

"The food and company were fantastic for this special night," Eaton said.

Teacher Connie Baker dishes up spaghetti for the guests.

This event was inaugurated in 2004, before Pioneer Elementary opened. It allowed parents, students and staff to get acquainted. Pioneer matriarch Rose Pierce prepared the sauce for the inaugural event.

"Our wonderful Pioneer Parents Club has put on the event as an opportunity to enrich our sense of family and community at the school," Eaton said. "The Parents Club mission statement is 'the Pioneer Parents Club supports the entire school population through fund-raising and family-oriented events. We strive to promote a sense of community at Pioneer and enrich the educational experience for all.' They constantly strive to put on fun family events throughout the school year."