Community Comes Together at Chatsworth Carnival

Even with rain in the forecast, the clouds overhead didn't get in the way of the fun for students at Chatsworth Avenue School on Sunday afternoon. Children and parents gathered to celebrate the school's annual carnival, for which the school yard transformed into an all-out amusement park with games like skee-ball, milk jug toss and even go-carts and a mini-golf range.

"My favorite game was the wheel of fortune because I pretty much win all the time," said student Mateo Cruz.

And luck was a good thing to have, as tokens given out at the games could be traded in for a variety of prizes.

While organizers did have a back up plan in case of rain, the nice weather led to a great turnout to benefit the school.

"The money goes toward programs that the PTA puts on in the school, like cultural arts and very specific curriculum related activities," explained Joan Capaldi, co-president of the Chatsworth Avenue PTA. In the past year, such programs have included a weatherman coming to the 2nd grade classrooms and a "Magic of Chemistry" show for 5th graders.

The focus of the Chatsworth carnival is to bring the community together, with hundreds of parents volunteering their time.

"Everybody turns out and everybody helps; it's a great thing to do for the community," said Leslie Roy, as she worked inside the arts and crafts tent.

"The kids love it so much because they feel a real sense of ownership and excitement to have the carnival in their school," said Robert Grossmark as he watched his son and daughter navigate around the go-cart track. "They've been looking forward to it all year."

The day was also made possible through donations and sponsorships from families and businesses throughout the neighborhood. The Larchmont Volunteer Ambulance Corps (LVAC) and the Fire Department were on hand giving tours of their vehicles, while Detective Barbara Daquino and Sergeant Ronald Knudsen of the Larchmont Police Department set up a table for the school's DARE program.

The school band and orchestra kicked off the fun and music filled the air throughout the day. A variety show was held later in the afternoon in the school auditorium, with students showcasing their talents, like playing piano, singing, telling jokes, and magic acts.

Joan Capaldi and PTA Co-president Laura Livaccari-Herzig were clearly delighted to have the weather hold out and to see everyone having a great time together.

"We like to think that it's the day that's all about the kids, just about them coming out to their school and playing and having fun," Capaldi said.

The carnival is held every year on the Sunday before the Memorial Day weekend. For more information on the Chatsworth Avenue School PTA and upcoming events you can visit their Web site here.