Swarthmore Rotary Club Fun Fair 2019: the Best Ever?
Last year’s CADES float
In its 19th year celebrating the spirit of interdependence and shared success, the Swarthmore Rotary Club’s annual Fun Fair is shaping up to be better than ever. In 2001, inspired by The Woodstock Charity Carnival, Ken Wright and The Swarthmore Rotary Club established the annual Fun Fair in partnership with local civic organizations, charities, and volunteers. In 2007 Marv Gelb joined Ken in running the fair, and since 2015 Joe Lesniak, Fun Fair chair, and fellow Rotarians continued to grow the festival. Over the last 17 years Fun Fair has raised $500,000 for charities. This highly anticipated regional celebration epitomizes the Rotary circle, symbolizing individuals joining hands together in “Service above Self.”
Last year’s 2018 Fun Fair proceeds ($17,000) have been distributed by Swarthmore Rotary to the following charities: CADES, Chester Children’s Chorus, Cradle of Liberty Council - Good Scout Award, Eagle Scout project for Tree Sallow Houses at Fort Mifflin, High-Tech Scavenger Hunts at Tyler Arboretum, Nationalities Service Center, Project CURE Sir Lanka Shipment group multi-club project with Rotary District, Reid Cares Foundation, Rise Against Hunger for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and a Swarthmore Rotary Meal Packaging Event, Sponsored SHHS students to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and The State Street Miracles.
Every year Fun Fair shines a spotlight on a significant Rotary Leader. This year George Whitfield, President of CADES, whose 20-year Rotary Membership has reaped major successes, including Presidency of the Swarthmore Rotary Club, six years as Assistant Governor supporting all who have served as District Governors and helping over 10 clubs in Rotary District #7450. The current Governor Paul Quintavella, from the Rotary Club of Broomall, sends his congratulations and appreciation for the fine support George has given to so many Rotarians and clubs in District #7450.”
Kicking off down Park Avenue, The Swarthmore Rotary Fun Fair Parade will feature CADES students and teachers, the Strath Haven High School Marching Band as well as Scouts, civic leaders and charities. After the onstage celebration, Swarthmore will celebrate more charities, new sponsors, a whole host of new activities and fair favorites:
“The Car Smash,” again giving a chance take out the year’s frustrations on an old car
An assortment of inflatables for the kids to play away their excess energy
The Lions Club’s 5K race through Swarthmore Colleges’ scenic campus
A fully stocked food court with favorites such as hotdogs, hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches made by the chefs at the Swarthmore Inn; and
Three stages with music featuring local artists and young artists.
Some 2019 additions include:
A beer garden thanks to a new collaboration with Rob Borgstrom and WaR3house3
A dunk tank co-sponsored by the SRS Home and School and the Swarthmore Swim Club (we hope to convince some teachers and borough dignitaries to take the plunge)
A photo booth so to post memories of the Fair on your favorite social media site; and
Entertainments coordinated by Rob Borgstrom from WaR3house3.
Fun Fair Chair Joe Lesniak declares, “The only thing missing is YOU! Please plan to join us on Sunday, May 19, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.”
