With a few shuffles and clangs of swords, two opponents in white chest guards demonstrated their fencing skills in front of an audience of about 15 people Saturday evening at the first Community Carnival held in the Chandler-Newberger Center, 1028 Central St.

Yet, the participants hadn’t finished elementary school yet.

“It’s like a chess match on foot,” facility instructor Dianna Unger said. “It looks like they’re not doing anything but they’re gauging each other’s reactions.”

With several carnival games, an indoor playground and sport demonstrations ranging from gymnastics to tennis “challenges,” fencing wasn’t the only opportunity for children and adults to participate in at the center.

“We’re trying to get people from the community to know of the events offered in our facility and Evanston,” said Chris Tompkins, the program supervisor. “We’re expecting a large turnout. But this is our first time. We didn’t know if we’d get 15 or 100 people.”

Parents and children filtered into Chandler-Newberger on the crisp November night. The children wore balloon hats, double-sword backpacks and foot-long balloon spiders.

In the gymnasium, children tumbled, climbed the indoor playground and munched on treats provided for the event.

“It’s better than staying home,” said Evanston resident and parent Victoria Shargo. “It’s lots of fun for the kids.”

Colette Martin-Wilde, parent of three fencers ranging from ages 9 to 16, echoed similar sentiments.

“It’s different, it’s fun and they could do it all year round,” she said of the fencing program.

Evanston Police and Fire Department representatives also were present, offering safety and health tips and pamphlets to residents.

“We’re trying to build positive relationships with the community and show the youth in Evanston a different side of the police,” said Dan Mokos, an officer in EPD’s Problem Solving Team.

Some Northwestern students volunteered or worked at the event as part of their work-study.

“I get paid for playing sports and hanging out with kids,” said staff member Stephanie Paul, a Communication junior. “All the other jobs are generic.”

Because of the large turnout, the center plans to continue the event and have one early in the year once “cabin fever” sets in following the holiday season, manager Kevin Wallin said.

“We had a budget for one special event,” Wallin said, “and we put our heads together and came up with this event, highlighting our programs.”

“We’ll tweak it a little bit,” he added, “but we’re happy with the turnout.”

Reach Kasia Galazka at [email protected].