Local Cooperative Celebrates Community, Friendship at Annual Fair

GUILFORD, Conn. – The Community Nursery School is hosting the 64th Annual Little Folks Fair 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at the Guilford Town Green, Guilford, Connecticut. The fair supports enrichment and financial aid for local preschoolers at nonprofit Community Nursery School and is run entirely by volunteers.

“When children watch their parents volunteer their time at the fair they see how grownups can work together to create something positive. It reinforces what we teach at school-- to be kind, to work together, and to cooperate,” says CNS Director Rachel Daniels. In her first year as director, Daniels has proudly continued the nonprofit’s long-standing tradition of a cooperative educational model: “[Parents] understand the value of participation, and the tremendous reward that accompanies it. Working as a co-op, families build friendships and bonds that they take out into the greater community.”

“This fair is a really special one-of-a-kind event for children to use their imagination, be creative, and have fun exploring attractions designed specifically for them,” says Mandie Sorrentino, this year’s event chair. Sorrentino grew up in Guilford and recalls her delight in attending the fair as a child. This year, she will give back by sharing the magic of the Little Folks Fair with her own children.

The fair’s longstanding history on the Green brings back similarly fond memories of childhood discoveries for many other no-longer-little folks in Guilford. “I remember when the children left the fair with guinea pigs and kittens in need of homes,” says Valerie Carubia, a seasoned CNS teacher with a background in the arts. Carubia helped develop the school’s play-based mission. She remembers the first fairs on Broad Street in the backyard of CNS founders Lucy and Bill Farrar: “Mr. Farrar entertained the children dressed up in a clown suit.”

This year’s fair will include a new obstacle course for youngsters to test their agility. Rides, inflatables, games, food, live animals and entertainment will be available at the event. Performances will feature Sunny Train, Mr. Joe’s Musical Adventures, Zumba, and Starship Dance.
Admission to the event is $3 adults, $2 children ages 2-12. Children ages 1 and under are free. Tickets and wristbands will be available for purchase.

No guinea pigs or kittens will appear at this event.

For more information, contact Community Nursery School at 203-453-5500 or GuilfordCNS@gmail.com.

Community Nursery School is a nonprofit cooperative preschool founded in 1955 and located in Guilford, Connecticut. It is CNS’ philosophy to provide a nurturing environment that promotes the emotional, social, educational and physical needs of each child. Alongside committed teachers and staff, parents contribute by playing an active role in the education and happiness of their children.