A Wonderful World Celebration

The Scarsdale School District celebrated its 225th birthday with a glorious international fair at the high school on Sunday April 25th. A rich display of the diversity of Scarsdale, the fair included representatives from 32 countries who came together to display the costumes, cuisines and customs of their native lands. The fair was the culmination of five years of work by the Interdependence Institute and the Multi-Cultural Committees of the PTA’s.

Unhampered by rainy weather, the fair opened with a parade of nations. A weaving Chinese dragon, bagpipers, and drummers lead a long line of residents adorned in colorful, traditional dress.

Assistant School Superintendant Dr. Joan Weber, who leads the Interdependence Institute greeted a full auditorium and kicked off the cultural celebration. The day was designed to allow the community to experience international cultures and to teach children what it means to live in an interdependent world. She thanked International Fair Co-Chairs Kathy Laurie and Misao Johnson as well as Assistant Principal Sue Peppers and all the volunteers for their work. Dr. McGill gave a warm welcome to the collective celebration, saying we are “all greater than anyone alone.” Quoting Louis Armstrong, McGill said “It’s a Wonderful World” and invited everyone to enjoy the performances, activities, exhibits and food at the international booths.

The SHS Wind Ensemble played the theme from Raiders of the Lost Ark and Co-Chairs of the 225th Celebration Committee, Florie Wachtenheim and Rita Golden took the stage to lead the singing of Happy Birthday to the Scarsdale Schools, which were founded in 1784. The Monticelli Cello Trio played followed by a series of performances including a Broom Dance from Papua New Guinea. A Tae Kwon Do demonstration from Korea, dances from France and India and much more.

The hallway and the cafeteria were lined with booths from many nations where participants could taste delicious treats, engage in activities and learn more about international cultures. At the India booth, women were adorned in bridal dress and girls could have a bindi placed on their forehead as well as have their hands painted with henna. At the China exhibit, an artist painted with a bamboo brush and students could play the Chinese Harp. Japanese neighbors installed an entire Japanese tea booth with shoji screens and tatami mats and women dressed in kimonos performed the ritual tea ceremony. At the Israel table, children made name cards with their Hebrew names. Collage artist Michael Albert was on hand and attendees could make collages of their own, using images from boxes, magazines and packaging.

At almost every booth there were delicious taste treats including Turkish delight, French crepes, TimTam cookies from Australia and Indian snacks.

Representatives from Brazil shared their recipe for Brigadeiro:

Ingredients:
1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
3 tablespoons of chocolate milk powder (Nestle Quick works well)
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
Chocolate sprinkles

Directions:
-Combine the first three ingredients in a pot and stir constantly over medium heat until mixture thickens (about 6 minutes).
-Transfer it to a plate and let it cool completely.
-Butter your hands slightly and take small amounts of the mixture with a teaspoon into the palm of your hand.
-Make little balls and roll them in chocolate sprinkles.
-Put them in small paper cups.
Makes about 40
Tip: Keep them in room temperature.

There was widespread participation from the community, both as exhibitors and as attendees. The day highlighted the diversity of Scarsdale and provided an opportunity for international families to share their heritage with neighborhood friends. It was an impressive undertaking filled with many delights. If you were not able to attend, catch some of the fair on Channel 77.