Children of all ages paid a visit to annual nursery school carnival
By: Linda J. Field
For grownups, it was a day to prepare for an impending snow storm. For the kids, however, games were to be played and prizes won. Hot dogs were available, with rolls disappearing faster than the dogs. A magician performed at noon.
It was heaven on earth for kids, and a major fund-raiser March 3 for the nonsectarian Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church Cooperative Nursery School’s annual carnival.
"This is a big turnout this year," said Janet Madison, administrator at the school.
"We will use funds raised to purchase playground equipment for the school as well as replacing and updating games and books that are showing signs of use," according to teacher Denise de Loca.
The school has been in operation for more than 30 years. This is the sixth or seventh year for the carnival, said Ms. de Loca.
As well as providing an opportunity to raise money for the school, the event proved to be a good opportunity for parents to come together with their kids and have fun.
About 300 attended the carnival in 2000, and it appeared that that figure was met if not surpassed this year.
Most important, the event received rave reviews from the young Lawrence residents who were interviewed.
What could have passed for chaos was actually a bunch of carefully organized games for kids or free play on matted floors in the main hall of the school, with supervision in both places.
Magician Ferris the Great was a particular highlight of the day, according to the young people interviewed. One particularly popular part of the routine was when he made two birds magically appear.
"My favorite part was when I got to touch the bird," said Jessica Ferguson, a fourth-grader who attends Lawrence Intermediate School. "Ferris said don’t do it, then everybody did. I didn’t play games. Only got my face painted."
"I liked it when he made two birds appear," said 3-year-old Johnny Riggs. "I liked having my face painted with a Pikachu. Now I’m going to go play games."
"I liked watching the magic show," said Emma Barnes, a second-grader who attends Lawrence Elementary School. "I ate cookies, colored and got balloons. I pet the birds. Now I’m gonna play games."
Other young attendees either arrived at the carnival too late for the magic show or had other priorities. Some liked playing games, or, more specifically, the prizes they won from playing the games. Others couldn’t get enough, and quickly ate their lunch so they could go play some more.
"I had a good time today," said Michael Moret, a second-grader who attends Ben Franklin Elementary School. "I liked the magic show, but won a lot of neat stuff. I won a frog with eyes that move, ring and a paper airplane. I played the penny pitch and mini-golf. I’m going to play some more games."
"I liked the games," said Adam Czaplinski, a third-grader who attends LES. "I liked the games. I was best at the spider pick-up. I was good at the golf game. Mostly, I liked the games the best. I would come back again."
"The games were fun," said 3-year-old Will Luke. "I liked golf the best, and bowling. I got prizes a top and airplane that I like the best. I come here every year and will do it again next year. My friend Lance was here and Matthew."
"I won these necklaces playing games," said Amy Moret, a kindergarten student who attends Ben Franklin. "I got the crayon one for the ring toss, and I played the fishing game. I won a parachute from the bowling game. I’m having a good time. I watched the magic show, and I got my face painted. It’s a butterfly because I think they’re pretty."
Organizers thanked local companies such as Chambers Walk Café & Catering, Maidenhead Bagel Co., Borders Books Music & Cafe, Halo Farms, Lawrence Road Florist and Folmer Associates for making the event possible.