Cari Quam/Austin Daily Herald

A visit to Brownsdale Elementary School is a trip back in time.

Records dangle from the ceiling. A poster-size picture of Elvis hangs on the wall. Lights from a homemade jukebox glimmer in the hallway.

Except for neon-colored backpacks and Spongebob Squarepants T-shirts, it could be 1953.

For a few hours tonight, it will be. Brownsdale Elementary is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a 1950s-themed carnival -- the first activity to celebrate the milestone.

Parents in Education members, students and school employees were getting ready for the carnival Thursday. Carnival games with 50s themes such at Jailhouse Rock were set up. The "Route 56 Diner" will serve hot dogs, nachos and pizza. Former principals will be serving cake.

"Without (Parents in Education), the carnival wouldn't happen," said Principal Diana Orr.

Brownsdale Elementary opened in 1953 as a school for kindergarten through eighth-graders. Building it cost $209,000 and 240 students were enrolled.

Now Brownsdale serves 120 students in prekindergarten programs up to grade 5.

"It's a good school," said secretary Eileen O'Connor. "I wouldn't trade it."

On May 17, the school will host an open house for the public. Changes have been made to the original building, such as an addition for more classrooms and renovations to the media center.

"We made it bigger and more beautiful," Orr said of the media center.

The carnival will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight at the school. Attendance is free, but tickets must be purchased for games and food. For more information call Brownsdale Elementary at 567-2244.

"Everybody from the area is welcome to come and see what a wonderful school we have," Orr said.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com