Elementary School Celebrates 75th Anniversary Of Event In South Jersey

HADDONFIELD, NJ — A major milestone took place on Oct. 2 as the Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School PTA (Parent Teacher Association) hosted its 75th Annual Fall Fair.

The "Lizzy Haddon" tradition brought the school community and greater Haddonfield area together on the blacktop and field with a host of activities and games in order to support the organization's largest yearly fundraiser.

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"At the heart of it, I really think it has lasted because the kids have so much fun. It is one of those great childhood days," Fall Fair Chair Amanda Parlett told Patch. "When something happens year after year for 75 years, eventually it becomes woven into the fabric of the school."

This year's event included pony rides, pumpkin painting, crafts, a tie-dye station, a "Lizzy Salon," and the popular "Guess Again" and "Teacher Experience" raffles.

Jugglers, a live DJ, and a wide variety of local food trucks and vendors were also on site.

For Haddonfield families, the fair has become a generational rite of passage through the borough, as alumni routinely return to celebrate each year in many cases with their own children.

"I love seeing our older Lizzy kids come back as volunteers to paint faces, run games, and help out," said Parlett. "Not that long ago, they were the kids running around the fair with their friends and asking their parents for more tickets, and now, they want to come back and help make that same day special...that is exactly how a tradition lasts for 75 years."

Many of these attendees will also see the benefits of ticket sales, merchandise money, and more sold at the event.

The PTA uses proceeds to support programs, activities, and other projects each school year for Elizabeth Haddon students.

"I feel really lucky that our last Fall Fair as a current Lizzy family happens to the 75th," added Parlett, "...and knowing us, I'm pretty sure we'll all be back volunteering next year!"

The Haddonfield Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation at its September Business Meeting honoring the Fair's 75th milestone, calling it "a tradition that has become a cherished community event."

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