Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Sarah M. Corigliano Assistant Managing Editor EAST LONGMEADOW This September community organizations, businesses and individuals will team up to present East Longmeadow's first-ever Caribbean Festival, the proceeds from which will benefit East Longmeadow Schools. Organizer Chris Graziano, owner of Graziano Gardens in East Longmeadow, said the Friends of the Norcross Center are the main sponsors of the event, which will include musical entertainment, sports activities, family activities, and food. Merle Safford, vice president of the Friends of the Norcross Center, said this benefit was a natural way for the organization to become involved in the schools. "We're delighted to help sponsor the event," she said. Safford explained that one goal of the Norcross Center is to become a historical and artistic resource for the schools, and this festival is one of the first steps in forging a closer relationship with the schools. Safford said the History Learning Center at the Norcross Center will open soon and will be available, by appointment, for the schools and the public to conduct research on East Longmeadow's history. Graziano said the organizers of the Caribbean Festival hope to raise $10,000 to support the PTOs in the East Longmeadow Public School System. To do this, he said, he is looking for sponsors. At press time, Graziano said he had a positive response to most requests, and was hoping more community businesses and individuals would contribute to the event. To become a sponsor, call Chris Graziano at 525-6137. Activities planned for the festival, which will take place Sept. 10 at Center Field from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., are bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, face painting, basketball and soccer shoots, and more. Featured food will be a pig roast provided by Romito's, burgers and hot dogs provided by Fazio's, and authentic Jamaican jerk chicken. Featured bands include Hot Like Fire and Addis, who will play reggae and calypso music. Graziano added that there will be demonstrations by the fire department and the police department. Tickets are available at Graziano Gardens on Elm Street and Romitos on North Main Street. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children over 6. |