Memorial Day Part Two

This year the Sunnyside Gardens Park Memorial Day was not actually on Memorial Day Weekend for a change. It was held yesterday, one week after the fact, and thankfully one week after our trip to PEEC in the Poconos. So we didn't have to choose favorites and I was able to attend both and soak in all the fun.  Normally we'd be trying to squeeze in a trip to North Carolina on May 30 for mom's birthday, but with all the craziness going on here this month, it wasn't going to work out. So we'll rain check her for a visit as soon as school lets out in June and try to make the most of our time around the neighborhood. And that's just what we did yesterday from noon to close at 5pm. We came just as the drum corps was finishing up and before the bouncy houses inflated. It was a somewhat slow start to the festivities, but like the sunshine and humidity, once it got going, it was full steam ahead. And what a steamy day it was for my girls. Carolina gave me a frown for having to wait in line in the blazing sun. But her mood quickly lifted each time she entered the bouncy house with her unlimited stars and stripes wrist bracelet. And Elisa navigated the fairgrounds laid out in her familiar park with plenty of bravado. She didn't need me much at all and that was nice. Even better, she took care of her sister and kept them both hydrated with lots of juice and Italian ices. It isn't always easy to turn them loose when things fill up at the park's public events, but yesterday was a good blend of local families and park regulars. It never felt overwhelming and I think the fact that it stayed busy throughout the afternoon was a sign that there was plenty keeping folks of all ages at the fair. The young magician was a little hard to hear and not so much of a rah rah type as the past clowns. But that was okay. He had the kids practically charging the stage and completely enthralled, so I'd say that hit all the marks. The only thing I really missed was hearing Jeff Fairbanks and his band playing ragtime tunes throughout the park. Funny how something can really frame an event and you don't even realize you enjoyed it so much until it's gone. But otherwise, it was a great day at the park and probably the longest we have stayed for one of these fairs. So well done to Tania and her crew that made this event such a success. It isn't easy to pull the park's biggest fundraisers together, but they did a great job. And soon it will be my turn to plan and pull off the Summer Social, a much smaller affair for park members. Better get brainstorming...with June first just a day away, summer will be here soon!