P.S. 11 Fall Festival is a real scream

Children enjoy the Fall Festival at P.S. 11 last Saturday

By Kathy Casey

Once again, the Fall Festival produced by the P.S. 11 Parent Teacher Association offered an abundance of pleasure for scores of young children — and some tall people, too. Despite the fickle weather on Sat. Oct. 28 (which was not nearly as bad as predicted), even the outdoor events went well.

There was a hayride wagon pulled by a handsome and hearty black horse along W. 21st St. between Eighth and Ninth Aves., and the Fire Department truck elicited the usual awe.

Indoors, the haunted house, operated by some of the older children, was a satisfyingly frightful experience. Face-painting and necklace-making were favorite activities, along with indoor and outdoor games. Most of the children gladly previewed their Halloween costumes, from a tiny ladybug, to a rakish pirate, Wonder Woman, the Lion King, a rainbow clown, a sumptuous Dracula and several elegant witches. Each child received a free hot dog with all the fixings and a freshly picked New York State apple. Popcorn, cider, spectacular cupcakes and other homemade baked goods abounded.

Nora Salazar was this year’s coordinator, ably assisted by dozens of P.T.A. parents. The festival was scheduled for late October because volunteers from New York City Cares painted the fence of the newly resurfaced schoolyard a lovely blue on the previous Saturday. Usually the celebration is part of Latin American Heritage Month.

Many people are surprised to learn that 70 percent of P.S. 11’s students are from households below the federal poverty line. More popular P.T.A.-sponsored events, such as Multicultural Night and a Chelsea house tour, are forthcoming.