A Smashing Success

To the Editor:

The first annual Cultural Arts Fair held this past weekend on the Fairfield Hills campus was a smashing success! This inaugural event was blessed to have an amazing committee of leaders, visionaries, planners, workers, and volunteers. Each and every committee member, numbering dozens and dozens, did their part to make this fair so pleasurable for the thousands of attendees.

Special thanks have to go to Paul Mangiafico, Jr, and Donna Mangiafico. They are quick to shine the light on others, but I know what they did over the long two years was an effort of considerable magnitude. Thank you on behalf of our community. You have given us a gift to celebrate and an opportunity to remind ourselves that it is Nicer in Newtown.

I have so many personal favorites from the event that the list would exceed space allowed here. I just have to point out how much fun this event was for families and kids of all ages — dancing; hula hooping; juggling (me, too); painting of all kinds; lettering; sand art; lectures; and on and on. The vendors brought items of art and craft well worth time to inspect, enjoy, and purchase. Music of every style and genre found an audience.

Our library, Little Theatre, SCAN, NICE program, local politicians, and more, all had a space and folks to engage. The food choices were varied, reasonably priced, and well suited to the event. At every turn my eye caught something of interest and observed others fully engaged and participating. I share with so many others the hope that this fair is a new tradition for Newtown. Its success proves its rightful place as an event we will anticipate with pleasure every year. And, what better way to use this campus than a place for us to come together in social enjoyment? Maybe a sculpture garden in our future plan.

Pat Llodra

90 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook                          September 19, 2012