It may be appropriate to say “Konnichiwa,” “Buona sera” or even “¡Buenas tardes!” at the (MAS) International Fair this weekend where a variety of cultures will be represented in everything from sports to cuisine.
“It brings the community and parents together to celebrate the diversity of Mamaroneck Avenue School,” said MAS PTA member and Co-VP of the International Fair Jennifer Mitchell, about the all-day fair that will be held on Saturday.
Although this is only her second year coordinating the event, the fair has a long history, dating back over a decade. Traditionally the biggest fundraiser of the year, last year’s event raised $20,000 and attracted thousands of attendees. All funds will go to school programs sponsored by the PTA, said Mitchell.
In addition to food samplings from different cultures including Italian, Mexican, Guatemalan and Czech, there will be craft activities involving items symbolic in their respective countries such as Italian mosaic, Moroccan good luck hands, Mexican paper flowers, crowns of England and Australian boomerangs. Kids can experience the fun of a photo booth, Merry England egg hunt or sports like electronic basketball, hockey shootout, golf and Japanese sumo wrestling.
And, for any kid that has wanted to walk in the shoes of a policeman, fireman or even the mayor, well, he or she might get a chance. As part of the silent auction, parents can bid 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.
Other items to be auctioned off include those donated by local businesses such as parties and classes (,, ), cultural activities (The Maritime Aquarium, Greenburgh Nature Center, ), sporting events (, Yankees Tickets, ) dining out (, , ), beauty (, Knotz), fitness packages (, , ) and much more.
There are also a plethora of theme baskets for the silent auction including the “Be Nice to Mommy” and “Get Ready for Summer,” both of which contain items perfectly suited to their names that were donated by MAS families.
Given the cloudy forecast for this weekend, the Fair will be the perfect indoor activity for kids and adults alike.
The Mamaroneck Avenue School International Fair will be held at the school from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 24; there is no charge for admission. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5; tickets for games and crafts are 3 for $1.
