Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! The beloved characters from the Land of Oz found their way into the gymnasium of Daniel Webster Elementary School on Friday, Feb. 20. They were joined by their fellow literary characters Willy Wonka, Thomas the Tank Engine, Winnie the Pooh, and even Scooby Doo for Webster School’s annual Book Fair Family Night.
“I like to go around and play,” said Eshan Sarma, 4, with his mother Jane. “I like pirate books.”
This year’s theme from the company Scholastic – who annually promote school fairs nationwide – was “Lights, Camera, Action!” The display booths throughout the gymnasium were based on works of literature that have been adapted into successful Hollywood movies and TV shows.
Each of the 12 booths had treats and games for the kids, including stations named after “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus.” The Weehawken Public Library was also there, promoting the book release of “Images of America: WEEHAWKEN” commemorating the town’s 150th Anniversary, and the local Girl Scout troop had a station of activities for kids.
In addition, there was food and a magic show for kids featuring the amazing Silly Willy and his friend Ricky the Bunny.
“The kids love the magician, you have the Girl Scouts making book marks, the Willy Wonka [station] where kids can put their heads through and be an Oompa Loompa, and every station the kids leave with something,” said Enza Scardigno, president of the PTPA and book fair coordinator.
Can you see the stars?
The halls and gymnasium of Webster School were decorated with stars and Oscar statuettes, and even a yellow brick road instead of the red carpet. The yellow brick road led kids to the Wizard of Oz station, where they could take pictures with Dorothy and friends.
Families got to indulge with baked goodies from cupcakes and cookies, and of course no movie-themed night would be complete without a popcorn machine.
Valerie Ramshur was dressed up as Willy Wonka, allowing kids to take pictures with her.
“It’s a great school,” said Ramshur, who has her son in pre-K. “Everybody is so inviting, the kids are so great, and it has been very rewarding.”
A painting of Willy Wonka with Oompa Loompa face cutouts was painted by Weehawken artist Gina Nagy-Burns.
“[The fair] grows every year, and every station you see is [done by] a parent,” said Scardigno, who is working the fair for the second year.
There was a selection of books for everyone at the fair, from pre-school books to adult books, including cookbooks, and Spanish language books.
Charitable contributions
Scholastic provides all the books for the event with some of the proceeds from the sales going to the PTPA fund, which hosts various community activities in the school, including last December’s “Breakfast with Santa.”
Proceeds from the book sales also go toward Scholastic’s program, One in Four Books, which purchases books for every child that cannot afford one. Additional proceeds also go to buy books for the school library.
“Last year was the first year every single teacher received 10 books [each], and the library got an additional 25 books,” said Scardigno.
Last year the PTPA reached their goal of $1,000 raised in sales, and this year they surpassed it by reaching $1,500.
Twenty local businesses and the Weehawken and You Civic Association donated to One in Four Books.
“It’s a fantastic event at Webster School, and it just highlights the parental [involvement], the great staff, and the great school system we have in Weehawken,” said Mayor Richard Turner. “It’s a community effort.”
“It’s a lot of fun, they have a lot of entertainment for the kids,” said Carmela Notaro, who attends every year and brought her daughter Giovanna, 4.
Six-year-old Jack McGinley took a look at some of his favorite Pokemon books and was shooting some free throws at the basketball station. “It’s fun and the magic show was cool,” said Jack. “He made a bunny disappear in his hat.”
While Alejandra Rodriguez was browsing some books about doggies with her little daughter Arianna, 2, her sons Lucas, 4, and Matthew, 7, were browsing some other favorites with their dad Andy.
“There are a lot of books and they have cupcakes and food,” said Matthew. “I love food.”
Matthew looked up books about Avatar, while little brother Lucas was going for his favorite Superman and Batman books.
“I like them fighting the bad guys, and I like Batman fighting the Joker,” said Lucas.
Jessica Rosero may be reached at editorial@hudsonreporter.com.