This year's SCA Fair was held on Saturday, May 3. Although the fair opened under gray skies, the weather cooperated and everyone enjoyed a dry day. It was wonderful to see the many smiling faces of children and adults alike as the exciting rides, challenging games and delicious food offered something for everyone. The fair's new attractions, which included a petting zoo, an old-fashioned candy shop and an arts and crafts table, were a big hit. There was extraordinary entertainment throughout the day by Manhasset's very own talent. The wide variety of vendors under the Big Tent offered a multitude of new wares, while fairgoers enjoyed sifting through the Attic Treasures to find some new treasures of their own and browsing the many books for sale. All told, this year's fair was one of the most successful ever.

The 2008 SCA Fair co-chairs, Lisa Chieco and Linda Gurino, and Ways & Means Treasurer, Karen Blando, would like to thank each of their committee chairs, who all worked so very hard before and during the fair. Their tireless support and enthusiasm helped make the fair a success. A special thanks to Al Pennisi, the fair's plant expert, who marked his 31st year of volunteering at the fair. The co-chairs are also grateful for the many volunteers whose efforts in all areas of the fair helped to make this a fantastic community event -- the fair's success is truly a tribute to the community spirit in Manhasset. Finally, the co-chairs want to express their appreciation to the local businesses, organizations and families who made incredibly generous donations of food, supplies and funds, without which the fair's success would not have been possible.

The SCA also wishes to thank the businesses, families and individuals who were journal sponsors and underwriters of the fair whose donations made the fair possible, all those in the community who came to the fair, and the raffle contributors whose generous donation of prizes made for an exciting and very successful grand raffle and sports raffle. The SCA also gratefully acknowledges the custodial crew and grounds staff, who were indispensable in setting up, running and cleaning up the fair, and thanks the Nassau County Police Sixth Precinct for its support and guidance. With the entire community working together, this was definitely a fair to remember!

The proceeds of the SCA Fair are the main source of funding for the Manhasset SCA. The SCA spends its funds directly on students by providing educational, social and cultural experiences not generally found within the standard curriculum, and by providing student assistance and incentives for higher educational needs. SCA programs include Enrichment Programs, Speaker's Bureau, Saturday Series, Children's Theater, Halloween Parties, Book Fairs, Homecoming Dances, Summer Studies, Educational Grants, Eco-Friendly initiatives, Nutrition & Wellness, and gifts to Manhasset schools including interactive white boards, computers on wheels, maps, a telescope and much more!

The SCA's purpose is to promote closer cooperation between teachers and parents, school and community, and to further the best interests of and highest advantages in physical, mental, social and ethical education of Manhasset's young people.

For more information on the SCA Fair or any SCA committee or event, please visit www.manhassetsca.org.