Paumanok's Fall Festival

On this brisk but sunny Saturday afternoon, Paumanok Elementary School held their annual Fall Festival from 12 to 3 p.m. This free event, going on now for about 11 years, is the PTA's giveback to the school community. As PTA third vice president, Nancy Lupo put it, "The PTA is very proud to be able to give back to the children by sponsoring this event without having to charge an admission fee."

The parents and staff, together with the support of the community, volunteer, organize and run the entire event. West Hollow Middle School students, most of them Paumanok graduates themselves, help run and supervise the craft and game tables, in exchange for community service credit.

There was a large array of games and crafts to be enjoyed by the children. Inside, in the cafeteria, were craft tables including leaf rubbing, spin art, decorating pumpkin bags, face painting and tattoos. Outside, a carnival atmosphere included games such as ring toss, knock down cans, balloon pop, duck pond and bean bag toss. NY Party Works provided inflatables and a nine-hole miniature golf course. DJ and music complemented the event, provided by ejthedj.

Food and refreshments were plentiful. Suburban Eats was on hand selling sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs, chip, cookies, pretzels and beverages. Rita's Ices sold five flavors of their famous ices. The PTA supplemented with cotton candy, popcorn and candy apples, as well as a "guess the weight of a pumpkin" contest, with all proceeds supporting their Arts in Education program. Paumanok's festival was rounded out with a Scholastic Book Fair.

Nina Cunningham, Paumanok's current PTA president summed it up best: "Paumanok is a great school, a great community. One in which the PTA is happy to still be able to give this event, for free, back to the kids."

The kids' and parents' gratitude and enthusiasm was shown by the approximately 500 people that attended this festival throughout the afternoon. They hope to continue this tradition for years to come.