Jewish Community Center set to host Purim Carnival

Date: 3/14/2011

SPRINGFIELD — Come and be entertained at the Purim Carnival at the Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC) on March 20 from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Attendees are invited to dress up in their favorite costume, or put on a sports outfit and help the JCC celebrate hosting the 2011 JCC Maccabi Games.

The feast of Purim celebrates how Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai saved the Jewish people from the wicked Haman.

At Purim, the JCC celebrates by wearing costumes, performing plays, and eating delicious treats such as hamantaschen.

These cookies are recognizable for their three-cornered shape, representing the three-cornered hat Haman wore.

The gym area will feature inflatables, games, face painting, tattoos and prizes. The playscape and early childhood wing will run an awesome age appropriate games and has a bounce house for the preschool population.

Get ready for the "Giggles" performers in the lounge as they perform a 15-minute show every half-hour.

Food will be available for purchase in the auditorium. Registration for the JCC's summer camp will also take place. Register at the carnival and receive a chance to win a free week of camp.

The carnival is free; however, there is a $10 fee per child for unlimited play and a prize. Food will be available for sale, including Hamantaschen, popcorn, pretzels, cookies and more.

For additional information, contact Jeff Rembrandt, assistant executive director at the JCC, at 739-4715.