New Hungry Bear snack bar sees first spring season at Athol High School

ATHOL – The spring sports season saw the opening of the new Hungry Bear snack bar at Athol High School, which offers a variety of concessions with the goal of supporting athletics and student programs.

Though closed for the summer, the Hungry Bear will reopen for the fall season. AHS teacher Donna Lajoie, who oversees the concession stand, said the operation has existed at the school for many years, although this spring marked the first time it operated during the school sports season.

“The Athol-Royalston Athletic Association uses concessions as one of our sources of income,” Lajoie said. “The proceeds help fund sports in the district.”

Construction of the concession stand was done by Northern Lights Log Homes and began at the end of last summer and was completed in November. The project was funded by the Athol-Royalston Athletic Association. The Hungry Bear sign was donated by Jake Lyman of Lyman Signs.

The project faced several setbacks during construction. Lajoie said organizers originally estimated the new shed would cost about $25,000, but additional requirements from the Board of Health and the building inspector increased the cost to more than $50,000.

“All the additions kept extending the date that it was meant to be completed and we were unfortunately unable to open for the (last) fall sports season,” Lajoie said.

Despite the setbacks, Lajoie said she hopes community members continue enjoying the concession stand during athletic events.

“I hope the community also appreciates the food while they are enjoying watching their favorite athletes,” she said.

According to Lajoie, net proceeds from the concession stand are split between the Athol-Royalston Athletic Association and Student Council programs, with 75 percent supporting athletics and 25 percent benefiting the council’s programs.

Concession offerings include chips, popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, candy, soda, Gatorade, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies.

Students working at the snack bar earn community service hours by preparing food, serving customers and cleaning up after events. Alexa Whitney, adviser for Student Council, organizes the student workers, while Lajoie coordinates adult supervisors for each game.

“It’s a good way for students to gain some work skills while also having a fun time fulfilling their community service hours,” Lajoie said.

Lajoie said community members were appreciative to have concessions available during spring sports for the first time.

“People seemed grateful to have access this spring,” she said.

In addition to athletic events, the concession stand is also used during the school’s annual Community Night Out event in October, which draws more than 1,000 attendees each year.