The Great Pumpkin Fair is This Saturday

For 33 years, Monroe Elementary School has welcomed the fall season with its annual Great Pumpkin Fair. Featuring games, moon bounces, face painting, pony rides, treats and local businesses displaying their wares, this year's event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

"It's our biggest fundraiser and we hope that the community will continue to support us as they have in previous years," said Melissa Hope. She is co-chairman of the 2011 Great Pumpkin Fair with Fran Welch.

"Welch explained that the Parent Teacher Organization has used the money raised at previous Pumpkin Fairs to help fund enrichment programs for the children, to subsidize field trips, and to donate outdoor play equipment. All of the money that is raised goes right back to the children."

"We're just hoping for good weather," said Welch.

Pony rides provided by Blue Spruce Farm will take place on the grounds of Monroe Elementary School. Two Moonbounces — a castle and a funhouse — from Kids on the Moon will also be set up outdoors.

As in previous years, children will have the opportunity to play games — knocking down cans, tossing bean bags and bowling, to name a few — in the school's gymnasium. Prizes will be awarded.

Hope pointed out that most of the carnival games are supervised by Monroe's teens and members of local scouting and other local youth groups. "We are looking for more volunteers," she said "Teens are eligible to receive credit for community service hours by helping us out for two or three hours."

There is no admission for the Great Pumpkin Fair but there is a minimal cost for the games and outdoor activities.

Luncheon fare is available in the cafeteria throughout the day. Though children tend to enjoy the Halloween-themed sweet treats that are part of the Pumpkin Festival's Bake Sale, cotton candy and popcorn, there are also hot dogs, hamburgers and fried dough for sale.

Live entertainment includes members of the Monroe Dance Academy's select ensemble performing at 11 a.m. There are also cultural dance demonstrations highlighted at this year's Pumpkin Festival. An Indian dance troupe will perform at noon and Irish Step Dancing at 3 p.m. One of Masuk High School's singing ensembles will deliver tunes at 1 p.m.

"We love that we're able to show off so many of the talented youth living here in Monroe," said Hope. "Their presence really adds so much to our fair."

Welch agreed. "This is definitely a school fundraiser but the Monroe El Pumpkin Festival has also become a community event that everyone looks forward to, no matter which school you attend in town," she said.

Although adult volunteers have already stepped up, more assistance is needed, Welch added.

"This is a huge undertaking," she said. "It always comes together in the end, but we really need the support of many, many volunteers. If you are thinking about giving a few hours to help out, now is the time to give us a call."

And, of course, the two chairmen enthusiastically encourage everyone to stop by the Pumpkin Festival for some good food and fun.

Hope noted that there is something for everyone. "We have a silent auction and raffles filled with beautiful theme-baskets and gift items that have been donated by local businesses," Hope said. "There are children-related items, of course, but there are also gifts that adults will want to bid on."

Local vendors will display a variety of wares, which are available for purchase, and information. They are H.E.A.R. Fitness Studio, Pampered Chef, PartyLite Candles, Thirty-One, The Traveling Boutique, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, Lia Sophia Jewelry, Food Jules and Tag Alongs.

"Not only is the PTO excited about the Great Pumpkin Fair, but our students and our community is, too," said Lisa Dutkowsky, co-president of the PTO with Lauren Moreno. "Everyone knows how much fun this event is and our families look forward to it every year, and have been for the last 33 years. It brings out a wonderful sense of community and school spirit and we're so lucky to have a fantastic outpouring of parents, teachers and students making it work."

Monroe Elementary School is located at 375 Monroe Turnpike. For more information, email Fran Welch at kfwelch31@aol.com.