Pingry Goes Global – The Short Hills Fun Fair
May 27, 2004

“Welcome to Pingry Airport!” one read the sign just before walking through a realistic-looking security gate. The Short Hills campus parking lot and soccer fields were transformed into a large playground with four inflatable slides and moonwalks, a rock-climbing tower, and many games and events to occupy the travelers. Posted on the trees were signs announcing the directions to capital cities worldwide, while children of all ages dashed back and forth to the different games. Hat painting, face painting, leather tooling, and carnival games were just a few of the myriad of events scattered across the macadam. The ever-popular cakewalk kept the younger set happy, while the older children gravitated to the rock-climbing tower. The Millburn Police Department lent a hand by “clocking” pitches with a hand-held radar device and an electronic display which showed the results. The DJ conducted dance contests, which included the limbo and there were prizes for all. Of course, what is an “airport” without food – and there was plenty of it! From cotton candy to pizza, homemade treats to chicken nuggets, there was plenty to go around. The “airport lounge” was decorated with balloons. “Xie xie” to Sarah Holman, Barbara Carr, and Anne Flugstad-Clarke; “merci beaucoup” to Diana Artis and Diana Faillace; “mahalo” to Tess Robinson and Debra Rienzi; and “ahsante” to Julie Silbermann and Kim Nachbur all of whom served on the Fun Fair 2004 committee. “Mille grazie” to all the parent volunteers who helped prepare, set up, serve, clean up, and run the games – it was a wonderful way to spend a Friday evening. Thank you translations: Xie xie – Chinese Merci beaucoup – French Mahalo – Hawaiian Ahsante – Swahili Mille grazie - Italian © 2004 The Pingry School