Creating Family Fun at the Neshaminy Mall

Fun, Prizes and School Supply Savings

This year’s event at the Neshaminy Mall came in time for parents to save on gift cards and store sales, discounts that help lower the costs of school supplies, especially for parents who have to buy for two or more children.  Colby, a manager at the Neshaminy Mall, helped coordinate Saturday’s events.  She said, “For the past six weeks, different malls in Pennsylvania have hosted an annual event.  Neshaminy Mall is this year’s last Pennsylvania mall stop.  At Neshaminy Mall we’re focused on being family friendly. Today we’re providing fun for children. There are also retailer offers and over 230 giveaway prizes.” 

Nearly 3,000 people were expected to come out to Family Recess, some of them learning about the event through local media outlets, others finding out about the event as they made their way through the mall.  In addition to retail outlet specials, the mall gave away $20 gift cards to people who spent $150 or more during the day.  Family
Recess attendees also got the chance to win tickets to Sesame Place, pens, necklaces and headphones.  Sears was giving away a red push lawn mower to one lucky winner.   

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles came out, their young relatives in tow.  Sabrina surprised her grandmother, Joan, when she played putt putt golf and hit a Hole in One.  “I never played before,” Sabrina said, grinning from ear to ear as she peered up at her grandmother.  She showed off the necklace she won for winning the game.  She and her twin sister, Samantha, also participated in Just
Dance, an interactive video game that Game Stop donated to Family Recess.  Samantha also won a necklace; her win came at Spin a Wheel.  “I think the event’s really nice,” Joan, the twins’ grandmother said, looking as if she was enjoying herself as much as her granddaughters were enjoying themselves.

Hundreds of Families Stopping by the Neshaminy Mall

Like many adults, Jerry, a tall guy who busied himself holding a toddler and watching his nephew strike dance moves across the floor from where he stood, came to the event to support a kid.  Akin to Joan, Jerry said he was, “enjoying the event. It’s fun,” he added.  “My nephew’s doing Just Dance.”  While a DJ moved through the crowd, Jerry’s nephew danced alongside other kids to pop songs while they mimicked the moves of actors on a video screen.  It was good fun and good exercise.  A few adults even hit the floor and tried some moves of their own.

Minerva said that she came to a previous annual Neshaminy Mall event with her parents.   Grown herself, this year Minerva came out with three of her nieces.  Not one to shy away from a challenge, Minerva played Spin a Wheel, winning a necklace.  Her niece, Angelina, stood next to her, a t-shirt draping her forearm.  Waiting to get the shirt airbrushed, she said, “This is my first time airbrushing a shirt.” When asked if she’d like to see Neshaminy Mall host Family Recess again next year, Angelina answered, “Yes.”

Caring for Animals is a Bingo Event

Just outside the entrance to Boscov’s, members of Bingo’s Foundation for the Love of Cats sat at a long table distributing brochures and information packets.  “We come to the mall every third Saturday of the month,” Joann, a Bingo’s volunteer said. “This Saturday we happened to be here the same time as the Family Recess.” 

The no-kill a cat shelter was founded by Eleanor, a long-time animal rescue volunteer, after her beloved cat, Bingo, passed away. “We have had 100 cats adopted in the three years we’ve been coming to the Neshaminy Mall,” Eleanor said.  She added, “We keep about 50 to 60 cats at the shelter.  Cats are neutered and sprayed before they’re adopted. “ Before heading off to try her hand at Family Recess’ Spin a Wheel, Eleanor shared that, “A lot of good cats are looking for good homes. We’re also always looking for volunteers.”  As were the children and other adults who visited the mall, Eleanor and other Bingo’s volunteers appreciated Family Recess, its sights, sounds, giveaways and fun, friendly atmosphere.