BUCKFIELD — Buckfield’s annual Carnival Ball is a little different from others held at schools. Instead of just high school students, the parents, siblings, grandparents and community are invited.

It started many years ago when students and family attended the dance in winter attire. Now it’s more formal.

“The bigger the family, the more votes for carnival queen and king,” said Gladys Russell, a graduate of Buckfield High School and a secretary in the main office.

The big event takes place from 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Buckfield Junior-Senior High School gym. From 11 p.m. to midnight, the gym is just for the senior class.

Faith Rines, adviser to the Carnival Ball Committee, said the theme is Once Upon A Time.

Seniors and parents do all the decorating, with students from the Region 9 School of Applied Technology in Mexico building the pumpkin-shaped carriage.

Students can vote for carnival queen, king, princess and prince on the Monday before the dance, then everyone who attends gets to vote either for the first time or again.

Funds raised go toward a scholarship for a graduating senior and for the senior class trip, which will be to New York City and Ocean City, Md.

“We usually have over 200 people,” Rines said. “Some are kids who have moved away.”

Among this year’s seniors who plan to attend is Kristy Kahken.

“I’m pretty excited,” she said as she showed a picture of a long, white-and-gold dress she hopes to buy for the ball.

“I can’t wait,” senior Jasmine Noyes said. “I’m going shopping in Portland for a dress.”

Ashley Warren already has her gown picked out: a long, purple dress with sparkles.

Rines said the white carriage will be used for photographs to be taken of ball participants. Some of the materials used for decorating the gym are recycled. Castles will be erected at each end of the gym in colors of blue, silver, white and purple.

“There’s very little expense,” Rines said. “We have donated paint, too.”

Advance tickets are $15 per person, $25 for couples. They may be purchased in the main office of the school. Tickets at the door are $20 per person; $30 for couples.

No one wearing blue jeans, sweatshirts or other casual clothing will be admitted. A special category, called paparazzi, or those who want to simply take photos, will not be allowed in until 8:30 p.m., and the charge will be $5.