Where can you make Japanese yoyos, sample Indian samosas and have your child bid to be “Fire Chief for the Day” all in one location?
Mamaroneck Avenue School (MAS) is the place to do all this and much more on Saturday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., during its annual International Fair.
Scores of community members—from area vendors and restaurants owners, to teachers and parent volunteers—are once again dedicating valuable time, resources and donations to help make the International Fair a success. As the school’s largest fundraiser of the year, the goal is to raise as much money as possible while providing a fun-filled day for families.
“The funds from the fair go to the many programs that the PTA sponsors throughout the year,” said MAS principal Carrie Amon. This includes the school play, after-school clubs, cultural arts programs, family fun nights, and the 5th grade senior trip.
“We hope that everyone in attendance has an amazing time—whatever the fair brings in is great and appreciated," said Amon.
Amon, who traditionally runs the popcorn booth, has set a personal goal for herself. “I am hoping to sell at least 800 bags of popcorn,” she said. “This year, I am going to try and keep count!”
“We hope that it is a super fun day for children and parents alike that reflects the wonderfully vibrant diversity of our school community, while at the same time raising money for a much-needed playground,” stated Jennifer Mitchell, who co-chairs the International Fair with Lauren Freifeld.
Kids can enjoy a variety of craft activities, as well as games and accompanying prizes, Mitchell said. Many have an international theme, such as Mexican flowers, Flags of the World, African masks, Italian mosaics, Merry England egg hunt, Icelandic fishing and Japanese (pseudo) Sumo wrestling.
New activities this year include a photo booth, a mini All-Star basketball game and t-shirt giveaways at a game booth sponsored by the Mamaroneck High School football team.
Remember to bring your appetite to the fair and take advantage of the international food court. “Try new delicious foods from a variety of places, including Mexican tamales, Italian sausage and peppers, Middle Eastern falafels, Brazilian shrimp with cream of cassala, and pupusas de queso con frijoles from El Salvador,” Mitchell noted.
When you have had your fill of fun and food, head over to the library and leisurely shop the expansive silent auction.
“Despite the economic turmoil, local vendors have really come out to support us,” noted Michelle Goodman, silent auction committee co-chair (together with Eileen Onelli). She noted that donations are up nearly 10 percent more than last year. There are a variety of special items to bid on, from fitness packages (, , and ) to restaurants (, , Little Kitchen, and ) and gift certificates to , , , and , to name just a few.
Among the more creative donations are a series of experiences with Village of Mamaroneck community leaders. Parents can bid on a chance for their child to be “Police Chief for a Day” with Chief Christopher Leahy; “Fire Chief for a Day” with Chief Christopher Szymanowski; “Village Manager for a Day” with Richard Slingerland; and “Mayor for a Day” with Norman Rosenblum.
There are also theme baskets created by each grade level, as well as fun teacher sponsored raffles. Click here for a complete list of donations. Other features of the fair include the Cake Walk, Book Nook, a 50/50 raffle, a bicycle raffle and live music by the MAS Tiger Band.
Mitchell said she is most excited about seeing the whole school community come together to work hard and play hard. “The volunteer force around this event is tremendous,” she said. “So many people put in so much time and effort preparing for it. At the end of the day, everyone goes home with a smile.”
“The International Fair is one of the greatest days of the year,” echoed Amon. “It is wonderful to be a part of a school where so many parents and teachers join together to make such a special day for the kids. The energy that you feel around the fair symbolizes the depth of community spirit at MAS.”
Advance ticket sales are available Tuesday and Thursday after school; four tickets cost $1. Tickets are three for a dollar the day of the fair.
