With the striped tents, popcorn, snow cones and balloons, it might have looked like a circus came to Fountain Square on Thursday, but it was actually the kickoff celebration for the United Way's 2001 campaign.

        Downtown employees wandered around the square around noon eating free nachos, making sand art and learning about United Way, as organizers announced this year's $60,050,000 fund-raising goal.

        With more than $10 million already raised, United Way is well on its way to raising what it plans to spend on more than 160 community agencies and efforts, said campaign Chairman John Barrett. Last year, the organization exceeded its $59.6 million goal by raising more than $60 million.

        Representatives of many beneficiary groups were on hand Thursday to participate in the kickoff.

        “It's a good way to let people know that their money is going to a good cause,” said Matt Pearce, a spokesman for Salvation Army Cincinnati Area Services.

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